--- title: "OPAL- Outdoor Play and Learning" url: "https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/news/2026-10-20-opal-outdoor-play-and-learning" school: "Shirley Junior School" --- # OPAL- Outdoor Play and Learning ![Image of OPAL- Outdoor Play and Learning](https://files.schudio.com/shirley-junior/images/news/images.jpg) 20 October 2026 OPAL is based on the idea that, as well as learning through high-quality teaching, your children also learn when they play. As 20% of their time in school is playtime, we want to make sure that this amount of time is as good as possible. There are many proven benefits for schools that carry out OPAL, such as more enjoyment of school, less teaching time lost to disputes between children, fewer accidents and greatly improved behaviour. Through this approach, we aim to improve opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, cooperation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination and enjoyment through improved play. Look out for more information throughout the Autumn term! [ SJS is a TGMC Flagship School!](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/news/2026-06-15-sjs-is-a-tgmc-flagship-school) [PTFA/FOSIS Firework Display 2026 ](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/news/2026-10-23-ptfa-fosis-firework-display-2026) ### About Us - [Welcome to Our School](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school) - [Vision and Values](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/vision-and-values) - [Our Ethos](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/our-ethos) - [Meet The Team](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/meet-the-team) - [Governors](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/governors) - [Hamwic Education Trust](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/hamwic-education-trust) - [Jefferys Education Partnership](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/jefferys-education-partnership) - [Term Dates](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/term-dates) - [The School Day](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/the-school-day) - [Latest News](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/news) ![Shirley Junior School](https://files.schudio.com/shirley-junior/images/logo/7AFDA2CEAF8439BF9A5E3115DCECCDD2.png) ### Shirley Junior School Bellemoor Road Southampton Hampshire SO15 5XE 023 8077 1434 ### Useful Links - [Our Ethos](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/our-ethos) - [Meet the Team](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/meet-the-team) - [Governors](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/governors) - [Term Dates](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/our-school/term-dates) - [Attendance](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/parents/attendance) ### Helpful Links - [Clubs](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/parents/clubs) - [Payments](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/parents/payments) - [Uniform](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/parents/uniform) - [Ofsted](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/key-information/ofsted-performance-data) - [Safeguarding](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/safeguarding) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067167382469) ### Translation © Copyright 2026 Shirley Junior School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://shirleyjuniorschool.org/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)