At St. Hilda’s, Outdoor Learning is a child-centred learning programme that aims to promote holistic development, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting. Outdoor Learning provides children with the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Unlike many schools, we run our Outdoor Learning programme from Reception right up to Form VI. All children have the opportunity to participate every term so they can experience the woodland throughout the seasons. Our learner-centred approach interweaves with the ever-changing moods and marvels of the natural world whether it is searching for patterns in spider webs covered with frost in the winter or learning about pollination amongst the bluebells in the spring.
Outdoor Learning at St. Hilda’s in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, takes place off-site at a local woodland. Our sessions are active fun and varied, often following the interests of the children. Using tools is an essential part of our Outdoor Learning programme and children get to learn how to handle and deploy tools such as knifes, hand drills, hammers, and mallets. One of the magical aspects of Outdoor Learning is the opportunity for children to explore their creativity and imaginations. From building fairy houses to creating woodland creatures, we use natural materials to create artworks, crafts, and structures. At St. Hilda’s, we use Outdoor Learning as a unique opportunity to enable children to develop their social and communication skills through an exciting array of activities which focuses on building confidence and team building. Children learn to work together and collaborate to solve problems and enhance their negotiation and leadership skills.
Outdoor Learning is a highlight for many children across the school. You only have to ask our pupils about what they enjoy, and they’ll engage you with all the numerous fun and exciting things they have got up to in the forest.
