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Being outside is a crucial part of childhood yet children in Wales are increasingly spending less time outside. The evidence is clear, being outside improves our mental wellbeing and physical health. Connecting with nature improves our mood, lowers stress, improves mental capacity and promotes physical activity.
The site has been designed both for those schools who are starting the outdoor learning journey and for those further on in embedding outdoor learning experiences.
Developing authentic learning experiences outside of the classroom should be considered holistically, focusing on the four purposes of the curriculum and should allow for progression for all learners from 3 to 16.
Reflection points throughout the site may help all schools further develop their understanding of outdoor learning.
Outdoor learning experiences fall into four key domains:
learning in real life situations
outdoor physical activity
adventurous activities
nature based learning.
Through these types of activities learners can engage in meaningful learning and develop the characteristics of the four purposes.
To maximise the positive impact that outdoor experiences have upon children and young people, they should have access to frequent, continual and progressive experience of outdoor learning. Over the last few years, there has been a growing body of evidence that supports the value of the ‘outdoors’ in terms of a young person’s development.
(Outdoor Education Advisers' Panel - OEAP, 2018)
Outdoor learning is a pedagogy and a learning experience that helps learners develop a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that support the development of the desired outcomes of the four purposes. In designing a local curriculum for school, outdoor learning should be an integral part of the design process. Outdoor learning is not a 'bolt on' or an intervention, but should pervade the curriculum and provide learners with regular experiences throughout the year.
‘Outdoor learning’ embraces an approach to learning that:
• involves being outdoors as a central part of the experience
• is open to all
• seeks to use the outdoor environment as a vehicle for transforming the experience into knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours
• can have a challenging, adventurous element
• will often involve a residential component
• often involves some physical activity
• always respects the natural environment
• is often cited as being both memorable and fun
Nature pyramid - Eng.pdfPage updated
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