At St Christopher’s Nursery and Prep School, we firmly believe that nature is the ultimate teacher. There’s something truly special about stepping outside the classroom and letting the great outdoors take the lead in education. The benefits of outdoor learning are vast and varied, and it can play a crucial role in our approach to teaching.
Nurturing a love of learning
One of the most important things we can do as educators is to encourage a sense of wonder and curiosity in our children. By engaging with nature, children are naturally inclined to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and seek out new knowledge. This curiosity sparks a lifelong love of learning—one that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Building strong values
Outdoor learning is not just about observing plants and animals; it’s about teaching children the importance of conservation, sustainability, and responsibility. These lessons are vital as they help shape the values and behaviours of our pupils, instilling in them a deep respect for the environment and an understanding of their role in protecting it for future generations.
Enhancing physical and mental development
Learning in a natural environment has been shown to improve physical, mental, and emotional development. Whether it’s improving coordination through physical activity, boosting creativity through imaginative play, or honing problem-solving skills through hands-on challenges, the outdoors offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for growth. Moreover, time spent in nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting overall well-being—a benefit that cannot be overstated in today’s fast-paced world.
Enrichment through experiences
Our commitment to outdoor learning goes beyond our school grounds. Throughout the year, we have a busy programme of off-site visits, allowing children of all ages to enjoy a wide array of experiences that enhance their classroom learning. From exploring local woodlands to trips to the seaside, these excursions provide children with a deeper understanding of the natural world and its relevance to their studies.
Also, we invite speakers to the school who bring fresh perspectives and insights into various aspects of the natural world. Themed learning weeks and outdoor educational activities further enrich the curriculum, ensuring that learning is vibrant, dynamic, and, most importantly, fun.
Enrichment Week: a highlight of the year
One of the most eagerly anticipated events in our school calendar is Enrichment Week, which takes place during the Summer Term. This special week is dedicated to residential and educational trips, providing pupils with unique opportunities to learn outside the classroom. It’s a time for adventure, exploration, and deepening connections with both nature and each other.
Bringing learning outdoors
At St Christopher’s, we take every opportunity to take the classroom outside. Our natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of learning activities. Whether it’s using twigs for counting exercises or exploring probability through the use of a quadrat—a tool that helps children estimate the likelihood of finding certain species in a given area—our outdoor lessons are as educational as they are enjoyable.
By teaching children about nature, we’re not just teaching them about the world around them; we’re helping them discover more about themselves.
References:
National Literacy Trust. “The Benefits of Outdoor Learning in the Early Years.” National Literacy Trust, literacytrust.org.uk.
Learning Through Landscapes. “5 Key Benefits of Outdoor Learning.” Learning Through Landscapes, ltl.org.uk.
Absolutely Education. “Seven Reasons Outdoor Learning is So Important for School Children.” Absolutely Education, absolutely-education.co.uk.
