Midfielder visits local primary school to join in with their unique way of learning new skills
Wanderers midfielder Jay Spearing paid a special visit to Eatock Primary School on Thursday afternoon to join in with the pupils' Outside Learning class.Based in Westhoughton, the school is the only one in Greater Manchester to have been awarded with an accolade for their efforts in engaging pupils outside of the classroom.
Boasting ample space and grounds, the youngsters each spend half a day a week outside where they learn to make bows and arrows, toast marshmallows, enjoy trust exercises and amongst much more.
And following training on Thursday, Spearing made the short journey to the school where he threw himself into embracing the outdoors with their Year 3 and Year 4 pupils.
Speaking after the visit, the Whites' No.8 said, "It was really enjoyable coming down here today - my daughter does something similar at her school, but I've never seen it in action.
"It's such a great idea as many kids learn more from actually doing things as opposed to being talked at in a classroom, and you can see how much they all enjoy this too.
"It's definitely something that should be rolled out across other schools and it's something I'd have loved at their age."
Vicky Hickman, Deputy Head Teacher at Eatock, echoed Jay's sentiments by saying, "At Eatock, we pride ourselves in utilising the outdoors. Teaching and learning is enhanced through a range of outdoor learning opportunities across the whole curriculum, from Early Years to Year 6.
"The practical approach to learning promotes a greater understanding and deeper learning: this is reflective in the progress our children make, placing Eatock in the top 3% of all schools."