At OLSK, Outdoor Learning includes discovery, experimentation, learning about and connecting to the natural world, as well as engaging in adventure activities.  

Taking the curriculum outside can improve attainment, increase engagement, and develop a wide range of skills including problem solving, communication and resilience.

What is outdoor learning in education?

Outdoor learning in education is a planned and purposeful approach that uses activities and resources to enhance learning, mental health and wellbeing, and environmental awareness.

It can be done both on-site (within school grounds) or off-site (such as on school trips). It offers a stimulating and engaging approach to learning and teachers can confidently weave it into the existing curriculum with minimal additional resources.

Taking learning outdoors can have a major impact on the learning and development of your pupils. From enhancing problem solving skills to communication and resilience, outdoor learning provides endless opportunities for exploration, experimentation and contextual learning.

So what are the key benefits of outdoor learning?

There are so many benefits of outdoor learning for both children and teachers. Below are five of the core ways we believe that learning outdoors improves educational outcomes for all.

1. Children’s mental health and wellbeing improves

There is an enormous body of research available showing that time spent in nature can improve children’s mental health and wellbeing.
 

2. Children’s relationship with nature improves

“If children don’t grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it. And if they don’t protect it, who will?”
Sir David Attenborough

3. Education is more inclusive

All children are unique – they learn in different ways and for some, these can actually be stifled by the classroom. Especially for children with special educational needs, the classroom can bring with it added stress and ingrained feelings of academic or social ‘difference’.

One of the many brilliant things about outdoor learning is that it gives more scope for inclusive activities and overall mindset. There are more possibilities and opportunities for all pupils to be together, experiencing the same range of activities. Plus, the sensory immersion opportunities are far higher and children feel less tied to one specific mode of learning.

“Inclusion in outdoor learning is about looking at how everyone in your class can be involved together, all gaining from the activities they are taking part in. Consider the sensory elements of the activity, your pupils’ academic and physical abilities, the interaction of pupils with each other and the overall experiences gained. All children are different and will be engaged and enthused by different things, and all teachers are familiar with creating lessons that meet these different needs so that all their pupils can flourish. Teaching outdoors is no different.”

Bringing Outdoor Learning to Life

At OLSK, we believe that outdoor learning remains a powerful tool to inspire curiosity, build resilience, and encourage environmental stewardship in students. It is a reminder of the value of stepping outside the classroom to foster skills and experiences that last a lifetime.