Outdoor education not only affords the chance to undertake curriculum related activities, it also provides opportunities for personal and social development. 

Enabling Learning

Children crossing a stream
Outdoor education not only affords the chance to undertake curriculum related activities, it also provides opportunities for personal and social development.

Schools that regularly use outdoor settings find that pupils respond well to first-hand experiences.  The sense of achievement, confidence and enthusiasm young people can discover in these learning environments can also have a beneficial effect on their overall learning.  However, working outside of the classroom is very different and can pose difficulties for many schools.

A feasibility study commissioned by the Agency in 2002 highlighted some of the barriers to outdoor learning:

  • Lack of confidence and training amongst teachers
  • Lack of clear links to the National Curriculum
  • Fewer opportunities to undertake outdoor learning in a pressured curriculum
  • Perception of health and safety risks
  • Transport and equipment costs                 

One of the key recommendations from the feasibility study was the development and implementation of an accreditation scheme for farms that open for educational visits.  It was suggested that the scheme should cover health and safety issues as well as curriculum related material.  The recommendations also advised a degree of independent assessment to increase educational credibility.

Click here to access the research note.

Acting upon this information, we have been working with the Access To Farms Consortium in order to overcome the barriers concerning curriculum links and health and safety risks in relation to outdoor visits to farms.  This pilot initiative has been particularly successful and we are now moving forward to tackle some of the other issues, in partnership with the Department for Education and Skills' Growing Schools initiative.

Since the report was published in 2003 the Countryside Agency have been working with the Access To Farms Consortium on a pilot training scheme to prepare farmers for accreditation.  The pilot commenced in January 2004 with 110 farmers initially taking part. The demonstration programme has been particularly successful with 97% of trainees passing the first phase of independent assessment.  Detailed descriptions of the pilot training scheme can be accessed by clicking here.

A first step for some schools is to develop their own school grounds.

School grounds can be a valuable resource that can support and enrich the whole curriculum. They can also provide a wealth of interest and resources for both personal and social education. Where pupils are involved in investigation, design and physical development of the grounds it helps them develop a sense of ownership and responsibility as well as affecting their attitudes towards their environment.

Learning Through Landscapes is one of several organisations involved in promoting and actively developing school grounds. In recent research carried out on their London Electricity School Grounds Awards Scheme significant outcomes were achieved:

  • A reduction in bullying and vandalism
  • Improvements in pupil behaviour
  • An increase in the number of lessons taught outside
  • Better pupil social interaction
  • Greater pupil self-esteem
  • Improvements in attitudes to learning       

To learn more about Learning Through Landscapes and ideas to develop your own school grounds click here.