Outdoor Learning
Overview
Outdoor learning is a central part of our curriculum and reflects our vision of Learning in God’s Love — where every child belongs, grows and flourishes. Through our Nurture Farm and Forest School provision, children are provided with rich, first-hand experiences that develop their knowledge, wellbeing and connection to the world around them.
Outdoor learning is carefully planned and sequenced to complement and enhance learning across the curriculum, particularly in science, geography, design and technology and personal development.
The curriculum is designed to:
- Provide meaningful, real-life learning experiences
- Develop children’s language, vocabulary and understanding of the world
- Support regulation, wellbeing and emotional development
- Build independence, resilience and confidence
Children learn through hands-on experiences, exploration and practical application, ensuring learning is engaging, purposeful and memorable.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, children are introduced to outdoor learning through structured and exploratory experiences.
Children learn to:
- Explore natural environments safely
- Observe seasonal changes and living things
- Develop basic practical skills, such as planting and caring for animals
- Engage in imaginative and exploratory play
Outdoor learning links closely with curriculum projects such as:
- Seasonal Changes and Plant Parts (Science)
- Our Wonderful World and Let’s Explore the World (Geography)
Children begin to:
- Build early scientific understanding through observation
- Develop vocabulary linked to nature and the environment
- Feel confident and safe in outdoor spaces
There is a strong focus on developing curiosity, language and confidence.
Lower Key Stage 2
In Lower Key Stage 2, children deepen their understanding through more structured outdoor learning experiences.
Children learn to:
- Investigate and observe the natural world in greater detail
- Understand habitats, ecosystems and environmental change
- Apply practical skills such as growing plants and caring for living things
- Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills
Outdoor learning supports curriculum projects such as:
- Plant Nutrition and Reproduction (Science)
- Rocks, Relics and Rumbles (Geography)
- Greenhouse (Design and Technology)
Children begin to:
- Make connections between classroom learning and real-life contexts
- Use outdoor environments to support scientific enquiry
- Develop resilience and independence
Upper Key Stage 2
In Upper Key Stage 2, children apply their knowledge and skills with increasing independence and responsibility.
Children learn to:
- Investigate environmental issues and sustainability
- Understand food production, farming and land use
- Apply scientific knowledge in real-world contexts
- Take responsibility for caring for animals and the environment
Outdoor learning links to projects such as:
- Sow, Grow and Farm (Geography)
- Properties and Changes of Materials (Science)
- Eat the Seasons (Design and Technology)
Children develop:
- A deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment
- Independence and leadership skills
- Confidence in applying learning beyond the classroom
Forest School and Nurture Farm
Forest School and the Nurture Farm are integral to our provision and support both curriculum learning and personal development.
Children regularly access:
- Animal-assisted learning, supporting wellbeing and emotional development
- Opportunities to care for animals, developing responsibility and empathy
- Practical activities such as building, planting and exploring
Forest School provides:
- Opportunities for exploration, risk-taking and problem solving
- Development of resilience, teamwork and independence
- A safe space for reflection and regulation
These experiences are particularly impactful for children who benefit from:
- Additional support with regulation and wellbeing
- Practical, hands-on approaches to learning
- Opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem
Implementation
Outdoor learning is carefully planned to complement classroom learning and provide meaningful opportunities for application.
Provision includes:
- Timetabled outdoor learning sessions
- Integration with curriculum projects across subjects
- Use of the Nurture Farm and Forest School environments
Teaching includes:
- Practical, hands-on activities
- Opportunities for exploration and enquiry
- Structured support and modelling from adults
Outdoor learning is inclusive and accessible to all children, with adaptations made to ensure every child can participate and succeed.
Impact
By the time children leave St Paul’s, they have developed:
- A strong connection to the natural world
- Confidence in applying learning in real-life contexts
- Independence, resilience and problem-solving skills
- Improved wellbeing and emotional regulation
Children can:
- Use their knowledge to understand the world around them
- Apply practical skills confidently
- Show responsibility and care for the environment and living things
- Reflect on their learning and experiences
Children show clear progression from early exploration to confident, independent engagement with outdoor learning.
Most importantly, children develop a sense of belonging, curiosity and respect for the world around them, ensuring they leave St Paul’s as confident, capable and caring individuals.