6 minute read
Out in the field
Applying what children learn in the classroom to their natural surroundings reaps rewards for their academic attainment, explains BARNABY SANDOW, Head of School, ACS International School Cobham
For millions of students across the globe, adapting to remote learning has proved a significant challenge, which has disrupted the crucial flow of their education journeys. Schools have been doing their utmost to provide strong support networks and young people have demonstrated their resilience when faced with the changes and ardently continued with their studies in bedrooms, kitchens or living rooms. These indoor ‘classroom’ environments have dominated the scene for many during this academic year and while they’re functional, they don’t fully energise an enquiring mind in the way that’s needed. As we warmly welcome the long-awaited better weather and longer days of spring, it’s extremely valuable for parents, guardians and educators to recognise the importance and rewarding benefits of education instilled through outdoor learning.
Regardless of a student’s age, our shared great outdoors provides an unbeatable learning canvas from which to explore, develop and grow as an inquisitive learner in today’s world. For example, younger children can explore counting and arithmetic skills through the simple task of gathering pebbles and twigs. Young teenagers can expand their knowledge of the many different types of trees and foliage in the natural world around us, building on their knowledge of the science of nature. Older students can discover the intricacies and fragility of our diverse ecosystems in greater detail, exploring the impact of modern living and inspiring and catalysing action against climate change. Nature continually presents opportunities for valuable insight and knowledge to be gained, alongside numerous other important life lessons.
Get out, get active
This spring, getting outside and staying as active as possible will be extremely beneficial for countless students and their learning development. Research has taught us that outdoor learning has many advantages for children and teachers, improving health
and overall wellbeing, as well as classroom engagement. At ACS International School Cobham we ensure that Forest School and outdoor learning are key parts of our offering for these very reasons.
Developing a skillset
At ACS Cobham, students who take part in Forest School or in outdoor learning lessons are able to build and develop their independence, creating new experiences using the space around them on campus. In Early Childhood, emphasis is placed on the great outdoors as a platform for play-based learning and exploration. During a Forest School lesson for example, students might be asked to work together and combine their shared knowledge to identify specific types of plants, strengthening teamwork skills in the process. In a different session, students could be faced with the task of designing a shelter, giving them the opportunity to test their practical skills in the real world and take risks in a supported and safe environment. Conversely,
lessons might be as involved as examining the leaves of different trees in different areas to see how their design maximises photosynthesis in each natural habitat. Teaching students to value and take responsibility for our shared environment is a high priority for us to instil in our learners; emphasising that there’s no better method to learn about our climate and surroundings than by getting outside and experiencing it for themselves.
The world around you
Outdoor learning is also a focus at ACS’s other UK school campuses in Egham and Hillingdon. At ACS International School Egham, Forest School is a key part of the Early Years curriculum and students spend one day per week learning outdoors, taking time to explore, enquire and adventure in a secure and supervised environment. The lessons learnt through Forest School translate to other subjects and age groups throughout the school too. For example, during a science class on environmental issues local to Egham, the Middle School students got involved in fieldwork, displaying their conservation skills around the Mole River, uncovering a greater understanding of the severe problems that pollution can cause.
For students at ACS International School Hillingdon, the concept of outdoor learning and exploration in Forest School are also nothing new with many of the school’s students taking advantage of every opportunity to make the most of the diverse woodland available to them in the surrounding 11-acre campus. The school occupies a unique position; while it’s less than 14 miles from central London, it still enables students to benefit from the countryside. Last year, the Forest Education Network visited the school’s younger learners, holding a variety of sessions exploring the natural surroundings and breathtaking wildlife around the campus in all its glory.
Unbeatable opportunity
The outdoor education programmes in place across ACS’s three UK campuses have enhanced both the academic and socialemotional development of students. Breaking down the core elements of learning and applying it in the great outdoors engages students of all ages with exciting and informative learning opportunities for which there is no rival. Now that we’ve shaken off the icicles of winter and entered spring, there’s no better time to discover what exploring the great outdoors can do for for academic achievement, health and mental wellbeing.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/IMGORTHAND; ISTOCK/MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES
HOW TO BOOST OUTDOOR LEARNING
Handy tips and advice to help homeschooling families embrace nature
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER, JUST BAD EQUIPMENT
There’s no need to spend lots of money on equipment or clothing to go outside – you just need a few essentials to keep children warm and dry. Layering up T-shirts and jumpers will ensure children are warm and staples like wellies and waterproofs are highly recommended.
USE THE SPACE AROUND YOU
While travelling isn’t possible, there’s no need to journey to the mountains or woods for your child to have valuable outdoor experiences. If you have a garden, this is the perfect place for children to explore, and it will help them to get to know their immediate home environment. Children can hunt for leaves, sticks and rocks to create small dens for wildlife and can search for bugs such as worms and spiders.
HEAD TO THE PARK…
If you don’t have a garden, stay local and head to a nearby park or green space which is equally as ideal for children to explore. Under the supervision of adults that they live with or are in a childcare bubble with, and at a safe distance from other park-goers, children can climb and play and interact with the natural environment. If you visit a playground without green space, encourage your child to explore and create an environment for animals using what they can find around them.
ROUTINE
Like you might find as an adult, creating a routine you can stick to is critical to keeping up good habits. Building time into each day for children to connect with nature and explore outside is important for both children’s physical and mental health. Choose a time of day when your children are most active and able to fully experience the environment that they’re in through play.
