Learning Beyond the Classroom
At Longacre School, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. We believe children learn best when they are curious, engaged, and actively involved in their environment. Outdoor learning is an integral part of everyday life at Longacre, enriching academic learning while supporting children’s wellbeing, confidence, and love of discovery.
From Nursery through to Year 6, pupils regularly step outside to explore, investigate, create, and reflect — using our extensive grounds and natural surroundings to bring learning to life.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor learning plays a vital role in a child’s education. Research shows that learning beyond the classroom enhances concentration, creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills, while also supporting physical and emotional wellbeing.
At Longacre, outdoor learning helps children to:
- Develop deeper understanding through hands-on experiences
- Build independence, teamwork, and confidence
- Strengthen focus, motivation, and engagement
- Foster curiosity and a lifelong love of learning
By combining academic rigour with experiential learning, we ensure children are not only well prepared academically, but also happy, confident, and resilient learners.
Outdoor Learning Across the Curriculum
Outdoor learning at Longacre is woven throughout the curriculum and is not limited to designated sessions. Many subjects regularly make use of outdoor spaces as part of normal lesson time, enhancing understanding and engagement.
- Science lessons move outside to explore habitats, observe seasonal change, investigate materials, and carry out practical experiments in real-world contexts.
- English lessons use the outdoors to inspire creative writing, storytelling, drama, and descriptive language, helping children to develop imagination and expressive skills.
- Art lessons draw on nature, scale, texture, and environment to encourage creativity, experimentation, and confidence with materials.
- Mathematics concepts are brought to life through practical problem-solving, measurement, and applied learning outdoors.
By learning in varied environments, children make stronger connections, retain knowledge more effectively, and develop flexible thinking skills that support success across all subjects.
Forest School at Longacre
Forest School forms an important part of our outdoor learning provision. Led by trained staff, these regular sessions give children the opportunity to explore the natural world, collaborate with peers, and develop practical skills in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Forest School encourages:
- Independence and self-belief
- Risk-taking and resilience
- Teamwork and communication
- A meaningful connection with nature
These experiences complement classroom learning and help children develop confidence and perseverance that positively impact their wider education.
Supporting Wellbeing and Personal Development
Outdoor learning plays a key role in supporting children’s wellbeing at Longacre. Time spent outside promotes physical activity, reduces stress, and supports emotional regulation — all of which contribute to a positive attitude towards learning.
Learning outdoors also helps children develop essential life skills such as adaptability, leadership, empathy, and collaboration. These skills underpin our pastoral approach and prepare pupils for the next stage of their education and beyond.
Preparing Children for the Future
Through outdoor learning, Longacre pupils develop the confidence to think creatively, solve problems independently, and embrace new challenges. These experiences help shape well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive academically and personally as they move on to senior school.
Outdoor learning reflects our commitment to educating the whole child — nurturing curiosity, character, and confidence alongside academic achievement.
Experience Outdoor Learning at Longacre
The best way to understand the impact of outdoor learning is to see it in action. We warmly invite families to visit Longacre School and discover how learning beyond the classroom supports every child’s growth and development.
