Outdoor Learning
Not all classrooms have four walls.....
Why run Outdoor Learning/Forest School?
“The available evidence suggests that experiences of nature help children acquire some of the skills, attitudes, and behaviours most needed in the 21st century.” Kuo et al (2019) Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning? Relationship. Front. Psychol. 10:305. p.6
Research shows that Forest School and Outdoor Learning provides several benefits-
· Confidence and Independence- children gain freedom and space to lead their own learning, which helps them build self-esteem and try new things at their own pace.
· Social skills and teamwork- Group tasks like building dens or sharing tools teach children how to cooperate, communicate, and understand how their actions affect others.
· Levelling the playing field- Moving away from a rigid classroom setup removes academic pressures. It allows children who might struggle in a traditional setting to play to their practical strengths and learn at their own speed.
· Mental health and well-being- Spending time in green spaces reduces stress, calms the mind, and improves overall emotional resilience. The absence of rigid, formal classroom pressures help children feel more relaxed and secure.
· Boosted problem-solving- Natural environments change constantly with the weather and seasons. This requires children to assess situations, think critically, and find practical solutions dynamically.
· Physical development- Active outdoor play such as climbing, balancing and exploring develops gross and fine motor skills, stamina and coordination.
· Cognitive growth and motivation- Natural settings spark curiosity and problem-solving, helping children concentrate for longer and engage deeply with tasks.
· Environmental awareness- Regular contact with nature fosters a lasting respect for wildlife, ecosystems and sustainability. Hands-on learning and exploration of the natural world promotes more inclusive and engaging learning which, in turn, enhances learning of the curriculum.
What is the WILD Passport?
The WILD Passport is progressive 5-year curriculum with a focused skillset. It covers 5 distinct areas- Nature, Rope, Tool work/woodcraft, Fire and Shelter. Each section is subdivided into 5 ability levels-
· Beginner- Years 1 and 2
· Advance Beginners- Years 2 and 3
· Intermediate- Years 3 and 4
· Proficient- Years 4 and 5
· Expert- Years 5 and 6
(Whilst children in EYFS also have sessions in the woods these sessions are directed towards establishing Forest School rules and familiarising them with the wider school environment through play and exploration rather than developing skills)
WILD Passport learning objectives are overlapped and revisited on a regular basis to embed skills. This enables the skills across the 5 areas to be developed and built upon. This cross-curricular learning helps to reinforce learning and establish a context for the skill use.
Outdoor Learning sessions
Each term a different year group cohort have Outdoor Learning days. These run each week for a full half term. The morning sessions focus on skills from the WILD Passport and are delivered by the Outdoor Learning Lead. These sessions cover a variety of skills, where possible covering each of the 5 WILD Passport areas, and provide a linked skill, where appropriate, for the afternoon sessions.
The afternoon sessions are delivered by the class teacher in conjunction with the Outdoor Learning Lead and these focus on an area of the curriculum, for example Science.
