It has been proved that taking learning outdoors improves child development, supports mental health and wellbeing, deepens nature connection and promotes more inclusive and engaging learning.
Outdoor learning in education is a planned and purposeful approach that uses activities and resources to enhance learning, mental health & wellbeing and environmental awareness.
It can be done both on-site (within school grounds) or off-site (such as on school excursions). 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 students. From enhancing problem solving skills to communication and resilience, outdoor learning provides endless opportunities for exploration, experimentation and contextual learning.
Sir David Attenborough, the English broadcaster, writer and naturalist said, “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?”
There are so many benefits of outdoor learning for both children and teachers:
1. Improves mental health and wellbeing.
2. Improves our relationship with nature.
3. Makes education more inclusive.
4. Enhances curriculum learning.
5. Enhances child development.
For this reason, we have created a new play area for our Primary students in Agora Sant Cugat International School where they can play, learn, relax and be with their classmates, peers and teachers. Opened in September 2024, it caused great excitement within our community, and children LOVE playing in the area. Families can also use the facilities after school as another way of bringing our community closer together.
