Schools Professionals Partners
Enriching the curriculum
Outdoor education is often assumed to require a ‘trip’ out of school – and the time commitment and organisation needed can seem daunting. Yet there’s one context for outdoor learning that can be used for any subject, at short notice and for little or no cost – the school grounds.

All areas of the curriculum can benefit from a school grounds development project, but there are many opportunities to use your grounds, whatever they are like, to add an extra dimension to teaching and learning.
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Children learn in different ways - some learn best through seeing or listening, others, particularly boys or those with additional support needs, learn best through doing. The outdoors encourages practical learning - there's more space; noise and mess are often seen as less serious issues; and children can try out real activities. When learning styles are combined during first-hand experiences the best learning takes place, because all our senses are being used. In addition students of all ages often report that outdoor lessons are more interesting, varied and relaxed, and that their teachers are friendlier outdoors.

Although any school grounds can offer space and opportunities not available indoors, many schools and settings have developed their grounds to provide specific features. An outdoor classroom – with seating and, ideally, shade and shelter – for example or murals, mosaics and sculptures can enhance the environment while stating the school’s pride in its pupils’ achievements. Developing your school grounds is a great opportunity to develop Citizenship skills – consultation, collaboration, problem solving and decision-making and enhance the Technology curriculum, giving students ‘an understanding of the things that happen when you design things, as well as first-hand experience of time scheduling, seeing machines, learning about industrial safety and planning’ (teacher).

Secondary schools providing vocational and applied courses can use the grounds to provide a real context for students, and at the same time, bring about improvements such as environmental features, seating areas or gardens that benefit all the school. An increasing number of specialist schools are using their grounds to celebrate their chosen subject, showcase student work, or provide additional facilities for study. The introduction of Humanities specialisms, and of the rural dimension to appropriate specialisms, will continue to encourage outdoor learning.