Growing Schools initiatives

Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto

The Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto is based on the belief that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.

Benefits of outdoor education

There is proven evidence that good quality learning outside the classroom adds value to traditional classroom-based learning. It can lead to improved retention rates and a deeper understanding of subjects that are frequently difficult to teach effectively using classroom methods alone.

Outdoor learning provides a context for understanding many areas, including general and subject-based knowledge; thinking and problem-solving skills, and life skills such as co-operation and interpersonal communication.

Learning outside the classroom also provides a powerful route to the ‘Every Child Matters’ outcome, in particular enjoying and achieving, staying safe and being healthy. Much learning outside the classroom will take place as part of programmes that support personalised learning and complement the strategy for young people as set out in 'Youth Matters'.

OFSTED - The Importance of Learning Outside the Classroom

OFSTED reveals that pupils' participation and engagement can benefit significantly from activities outside the classroom. In a sample of schools visited, the report found that well-planned activities not only enhance pupils' learning, but can also re-engage those who are hard to motivate. And whilst some schools are deterred by health and safety, workload and financial concerns, the report shows that schools which have curricular provision classed as 'outstanding' or 'improving' have overcome these barriers. For more details, visit www.ofsted.gov.uk

Growing Schools

Growing Schools is a Government programme which aims to encourage and inspire all schools (nursery, primary, secondary and special) to use the outdoor classroom as a context for learning across the curriculum. It particularly focuses on food, farming and the countryside. The Growing Schools programme works in partnership with other Governmental departments and has strong links with other related programmes.

The Growing Schools section of the Teachernet site provides a valuable resource for teachers to find out more about all elements of outdoor learning.