Quote

‘Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls’ – Erin Kenny

What do we learn

Outdoor Education is delivered to key stage 3 on a weekly basis and as a targeted intervention for key stage 4. It is an integral part of the school curriculum and has been delivered since we opened as a school. Outdoor education aims to build resilience, confidence, teamwork skills, communication and activity specific skills.

Our outdoor education team has instructors qualified to lead many different activities including mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, bush craft and hiking. We are always looking to expand our teams skillset and continue to support further training to be able to deliver variety of activities throughout the year.

Why do we learn it

We learn outdoor education for a mix of practical, personal, and social reasons—it’s not just “being outside,” it’s structured learning that develops skills you don’t get easily in a classroom.

1. Builds Real-World Skills

Outdoor education teaches things you actually use:

• Navigation, survival, and risk awareness

• Teamwork and leadership

• Problem-solving in unpredictable situations

For example, planning a hike forces you to think ahead, manage time, and adapt when things change.

2. Improves Mental Wellbeing

Spending time outdoors is strongly linked to reduced stress and better mood. Being in nature:

• Helps you disconnect from screens

• Improves focus and attention

• Builds resilience by facing challenges

3. Develops Social Skills

Many activities require working with others:

• Communicating clearly

• Trusting teammates (e.g., in climbing or group expeditions)

• Taking responsibility for a group

Programs like The Duke of Edinburgh's Award are built around this idea.

4. Encourages Environmental Awareness

You learn how ecosystems work and why they matter:

• Understanding climate and conservation

• Respecting wildlife and natural spaces

• Making more sustainable choices

Organizations like National Trust often support this kind of learning.

5. Builds Confidence & Independence

Outdoor challenges push you outside your comfort zone:

• You learn to manage risk safely

• Achieve things you didn’t think you could do

• Become more self-reliant

Even simple things like cooking outdoors or navigating a route can boost confidence.

6. Supports Academic Learning

It makes subjects more engaging:

• Geography becomes real when you study landscapes firsthand

• Biology comes alive when you see ecosystems in action

• Physical education becomes more varied and meaningful

Groups like Field Studies Council specialise in this.

7. Prepares for Careers & Life

It can lead directly to jobs (guiding, teaching, conservation), but even if not:

• Employers value teamwork, leadership, and resilience

• You gain experiences that stand out on CVs

In short, outdoor education helps you learn by doing, not just by listening—and that makes the lessons stick much more deeply.

How do we assess it (Diff accreditations etc)

KS3 aim to achieve the NOLA award.

The National Outdoor Learning Award (NOLA) is a UK-based award that recognises what students learn and achieve through outdoor education experiences—such as school trips, residentials, or regular outdoor lessons.

It focuses mainly on personal development, rather than exams or grades.

NOLA is designed to:

• Capture and celebrate personal growth

• Help students reflect on their experiences

• Develop life skills like confidence, teamwork, and responsibility

Instead of testing knowledge, it encourages students to think about what they learned about themselves and others.

The award is built around three main areas:

1. Safety (Safe)

   • Being prepared

   • Following instructions

   • Managing risks

2. Respect

   • Respecting yourself

   • Respecting others

   • Respecting the environment

3. Learning (Learn)

   • Trying new skills

   • Problem-solving

   • Developing knowledge

Each area is explored from three perspectives:

• Self

• Others

• Environment

NOLA is an award that recognises how you grow as a person through outdoor experiences, not just what you know.

How do we do? results

Careers?

Outdoor Education Instructor – Leads activities like hiking, kayaking, climbing, and environmental lessons.

Forest School Leader – Works with young children in woodland settings, focusing on play-based learning.

Climbing Instructor – Teaches rock climbing and rope skills.

Watersports Instructor – Specializes in canoeing, kayaking, or sailing.

Outdoor Activity Guide – Works in activity centres or camps running mixed programs.

Hours per week

1 day per week at KS3

Meet the staff

Ashlee Whale

Photo?

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AOB

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