Learning & discovering nature

Using resources, locations and facilities that take learning outside the classroom environment offers opportunities for schools and teachers to engage children in new, exciting and interactive learning challenges.

From finding bugs under logs on the school field to growing sweet peas on a small piece of the school playground the possibilities are endless. There is also great potential to discover the world beyond the school gate and engage with the local community through science, history, literacy and numeracy. Remember,  ‘Adventure is out there’.

In a nutshell…

If grounds are designed and used with a view to improving the quality of children’s play and learning experiences, benefits accrue for young people’s mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being therefore contributing to healthy school initiatives.

Evidence of impact of sustainable schools

Taking part in activities e.g. gardening, growing, food & conservation in and around the school enables young people to see the interconnections between healthy eating and lifestyles, environmental quality and well being.

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Learning outside the classroom: How far should you go?

The first hand experiences of learning outside the classroom can help to make subjects more vivid and interesting for pupils and enhance their understanding. It can also contribute significantly to pupils personal, social, and emotional development.

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Natural Childhood and the Nature deficit disorder.

Natural places are singularly engaging, stimulating, life-enhancing environments where children can reach new depths of understanding about themselves, their abilities and their relationship with the world around them.

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