Nine ideas to encourage outdoor learning
Integrating the great outdoors into as many school subjects as possible is a brilliant way for young people to develop life skills and boost mental health. One school in Scotland, who have recently received their Level 5 School Gardening Award, are doing just that.
21 November 2022
Cedarbank School have found ways to pepper outdoor learning throughout everything they do, with an impressive programme of activities. We spoke to Depute Head Teacher Alison Lindsay who was influential in setting up the new programme. Here are nine of the brilliant initiatives they are involved with.
1. Taking lessons outside
Whether it’s using natural objects for Science lessons, sequencing dates on an outdoor timeline for Maths or writing French numbers on the playground using chalk, part of any lesson can be spent outside. At Cedarbank, teachers spend as many classes as they can outside.
“It is so easy to do and the kids love it. It has made a massive difference to our students.” – Alison Lindsay, Depute Head Teacher
2. Hot drinks
Wednesday afternoons at Cedarbank are dedicated to being spent purely outside. As part of this, each student receives a pack containing a hat, gloves and a kneeling pad. There’s also an alfresco drink session where students can make their own hot chocolate, tea or coffee – an activity that has been received very well, as young people often may not have the independence to learn these skills.
3. Brain gym
The students at Cedarbank enjoy brain gym sessions to heighten their senses. Brain gym is made up of simple, fun activities to help enhance learning, communication, attention, memory and academic performance in children. One of the students’ favourite exercises is to stretch the ear muscles, allowing them to hear birdsong more clearly.
4. Outdoor assemblies
At the end of each academic year, there is an outdoor assembly where the parents/carers come in and the young people are awarded certificates for their hard work. Students also run an outdoor café during the event for parents and carers to enjoy.
5. Edible gardening
The school garden at Cedarbank includes a polytunnel for growing tomatoes, a greenhouse and a growing area for each year group. Students learn to make soup and chutneys using the vegetables they grow, and then discuss the benefits of fresh, homemade food. They have also planted two apple trees. Cedarbank’s plan for the future is to plant seasonally to help reduce food waste.
6. Community involvement
Cedarbank School are heavily involved with the local community. Recently they spent the afternoon with a local supermarket, and had a visit from a Nigerian friend who talked about the fruits that grow in Nigeria. They are also involved with local primary school allotments, allowing them to share their growing skills and learn about gardening with other children and young people.
7. Soft skills
At Cedarbank, everyone has a lead role. When it comes to outdoor learning, this means that some students are ‘Green Gardeners’ and others are ‘Frogateers’. It is their responsibility to show visitors round, explaining the lifecycle of frogs and the importance of wildlife in the area. This helps develop their communication skills. Students also learn the importance of sharing, by dividing plants and setting up a stall to share them with staff members.
8. Conversation topics
Part of Cedarbank’s outdoor learning programme includes a fortnightly rotation of conversation topics for when the students are out and about. Some of the topics include Fair trade, Scottish wildlife, air miles and St Andrew’s Day. Students are also encouraged to discuss the benefits of learning outside, particularly when it comes to mental health. They can visit the pergola when they want a break, to be calm and at one with nature.
9. Flower arranging
Students sow seeds to grow flowers during spring and summer months. When they are ready, they learn the art of flower arranging. The arrangements are then delivered by the students to others at school.
Key to Cedarbank School’s outdoor learning success is the constant cycle of seasonal activities. Whether it’s visiting the wildlife pond and tadpole nursery in March, making natural crafts at Christmas time or celebrating National Poetry Day with autumn acrostic poems, there is something planned for every week of the year. This was enhanced by the 'A Year in Your Gardening Club' teacher training course that we ran for Cedarbank School in October 2022. Here is some of the feedback we received:
"I plan to use all the things with my pupils! Very interactive and lots of practical ideas to use."
"All activities were easy and quick to set up and engaging for the children."
Follow their story