Outdoor learning

Outdoor space can provide opportunities for curriculum enrichment activities, whether it's the school yard or outdoor activity centres. Use the resources below to make the most of the fresh air. 

  • 10 benefits of outdoor learning
    How can you help nurture an appreciation of the outdoors in children? Mike Crossley describes some of the positive outcomes of taking learning outside
  • Three steps to building confidence in and outside the classroom
    How can we best help children grow in confidence and self-esteem, creating a healthy learning environment? Therese Hoyle shares three crucial steps and games to try
  • Outdoor learning: using your space for enrichment activities
    Suzanne O’Connell talks to a headteacher whose school site features a Bronze Age settlement and a herd of water buffaloes – and provides tips for schools looking to make the most of their own outside space
  • Creating an enabling outdoor environment
    Jan White provides a range of practical ideas for creating enabling outdoor environments that support young children's health, wellbeing, development and learning
  • Outdoor learning in the early years: St Edward’s School
    Outdoor provision in the early years at St Edward’s School has some interesting learning opportunities. Lynn Young, head of early years, describes bringing an underused wooden chalet in the school grounds to life by using it as an outdoor library
  • Making learning outside the classroom a success
    Learning outside the classroom can bring immense value to your curriculum. Nic Howes, head of geography outlines key issues to consider when delivering quality learning beyond the classroom
  • Training staff in using school grounds for learning
    This month's Case in Point shows how to make more effective use of this key outdoors learning environment, with the case study showing how staff training and pupil lesson evaluation has involved the whole school in looking for more effective ways to use their grounds for learning
  • Take it outside: using school grounds for learning
    What can your school grounds do for you? Are you making the most of this major asset - on average, two-thirds of the school estate? How can you make more of your outside learning spaces? Barbara Chillman of Learning through Landscapes explores these key questions as she urges schools everywhere to take more of their teaching outside
  • A fishing project for all
    Children from all social backgrounds can enjoy angling and research shows that learning is improved by taking part in an enjoyable activity. Mike King explains an outstanding example of partnership working, the Bridgwater Extended Schools Fishing Initiative
  • Communicating the value of outdoor play to parents