Outdoor Learning & Making it Part of Your School Curriculum

Why Outdoor Learning Should Be Part of Every School’s Curriculum

In an age where technology dominates and screen time is at an all-time high, outdoor learning has never been more important. Encouraging children to connect with nature not only supports their academic development but also enhances their emotional well-being and social skills. Across the UK, more schools are realising the power of nature-based education and embedding it into their everyday teaching through outdoor learning workshops, forest school activities, and creative outdoor classroom ideas.

At Outdoor Pro, we believe that every school can benefit from a strong outdoor curriculum. Our platform is designed to support primary and Foundation Stage teachers with easy access to resources, lesson plans, and training that bring outdoor learning to life. Whether you are new to forest school activities in the UK or looking to expand your current provision, Outdoor Pro helps you integrate outdoor experiences into the school day in meaningful and sustainable ways.

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor education is not simply about taking lessons outside; it is about transforming how pupils experience learning. When children engage with their environment through hands-on activities, they develop resilience, curiosity and confidence.

Studies show that learning in natural environments boosts pupil engagement, motivation and wellbeing. For example, the major UK-based Natural Connections Demonstration Project (which worked with 125 schools and over 40,000 pupils) found that 92 per cent of children said they enjoyed lessons more when outdoors, 90 per cent felt healthier and happier, and 85 per cent of staff reported a positive impact on behaviour. 

(GOV.UK)

Similarly, research by The Wildlife Trusts' “Nature Friendly Schools” initiative found that after outdoor learning activities, 84 per cent of children felt they were capable of doing something new, 81 per cent said they had better relationships with teachers, and 79 per cent believed the experience would help with their school work. 

(The Wildlife Trusts)

Outdoor workshops for schools can complement traditional subjects by bringing concepts to life. Measuring leaves for maths, writing descriptive poems inspired by the forest, or studying habitats as part of science are just a few ways teachers can use nature as the classroom. This approach fosters experiential learning where pupils retain knowledge through doing, rather than simply observing.

Embedding a School Outdoor Curriculum

Developing a school's outdoor curriculum does not have to be complicated. Start small with regular outdoor sessions linked to classroom topics and gradually build confidence to deliver full forest school activities. The key is consistency and creativity. Outdoor Pro provides teachers with practical guidance, risk-assessment templates, and seasonal activity ideas tailored to the UK curriculum.

By incorporating nature-based education into the weekly timetable, schools can nurture a sense of environmental responsibility and promote sustainable learning. Pupils learn not only about nature but also through it, developing a lifelong appreciation for the world around them.

Bringing Learning to Life

Outdoor learning is more than a trend; it is an essential part of modern education. As we look to the future, schools that embrace the power of nature will cultivate happier, healthier, and more motivated learners. With the right support and resources, every teacher can turn the outdoors into a classroom full of discovery.

Outdoor Pro is here to help schools across the UK make that vision a reality—one outdoor lesson at a time.