OUTDOOR LEARNING
Why outdoor learning must extend from ‘enrichment’ to essential
and emphasis on exams; instead calling for a stronger focus on life skills and an enrichment guarantee. For educators, this signals a shift towards the acquisition of vocational competencies - such as resilience, critical thinking, and communication- skills that young people need to succeed beyond the classroom. Against this backdrop, the recent passing into law of Scotland’s Schools Residential Outdoor Education Bill marks a landmark shift for the sector in building essential life skills. This act entitles every child to at least four nights and five days of residential outdoor education during their school career. This will be embedded within Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence in facilities such as outdoor centres, youth hostels, camps, or sailing boats.
E
ducation Today hears from Dr John Allan, Head of Impact and Breakthrough Learning, PGL Beyond.
There is a growing pressure on the English education system to prepare children for more than just exams. Late last year, Becky Francis’s Curriculum and Assessment Review recommended reducing the volume of content
Together, these developments point to a growing recognition of the significant value of learning beyond the classroom. Outdoor learning provides far more than activities or time away from school. It exposes children to a world of authentic transformative learning which underpins personal and social development and academic success. Fundamentally, outdoor learning empowers young people to become self-confident and build lasting connections with others in ways that textbooks alone cannot provide.
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www.education-today.co.uk The educational benefits
Hands-on learning improves both cognitive understanding and knowledge retention. When students can see, touch, feel and share what they are learning, it becomes more meaningful and memorable. Take, for example, immersing yourself in a river, instead of only reading about water flow; students acquire a first-hand respect of the river’s power and purpose. Real- world experiences make subjects like science, geography and history more engaging. Whether studying ecosystems outdoors, or exploring rock formations, it turns abstract topics into something tangible that students can genuinely connect with, while providing context to classroom lessons.
By their very nature, outdoor learning includes elements of uncertainty. This provides an ideal breeding ground for children to develop the fundamental skills of questioning how, what, who, when and why. These questions are a demonstration of curiosity and inquisitiveness that enables children to adapt to the world around them. In a society of mounting complexity, nurturing the ability of children to ask thoughtful questions is of paramount importance for them to come up with effective solutions and take greater ownership of their learning.
May 2026
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