Steeton Primary School children are getting a lesson in nature as their new hill-walking head teacher takes learning outdoors.

Nearing the end of his first term as head at the school, John Cooper, 41, has signalled his new tenure by making theatre trips and outdoor adventure visits a “must” during term time.

Key Stage Two pupils have been to see the stage production of Joseph as part of a cross-curriculum, term-long study of the subject and years three to six watched The Gruffalo.

Mr Cooper said: “I would like to develop the creative curriculum and fuse it into their work which will in turn raise standards even further.

“Lots of children have, of course, never been to the theatre.

“I also believe in outdoor education as a means to improve team building, tenacity and co-operation.”

Every week seven 11-year-old pupils visit High Adventure, an outdoor education centre in Cowling, where they can climb, scale up low and high ropes and practice archery.

Also, four six-year-old pupils can look forward to a unique “Forest School” beginning in February.

Mr Cooper, a father-of-three who lives in Clayton, said: “We are hoping that lessons will be able to take place out in the local woods, so the pupils learn things in a different environment.

“It is about a different learning style and life-long learning.”

He added: “Being outdoors, children develop skills for life and it encourages team building.

“Staff are coming back saying the experiences are already making a difference in the classroom.

“Historically, Steeton has been a very good school and I intend to build on that, maintain the high standard and develop the school community.”