GSAL Primary pupils reap the benefits of learning outdoors

Friday 16 June 2023

The benefits of outdoor learning and natural play have been proven by educational experts over many years. Learning and playing in specialised and safe outdoor areas help children with their physical development and refining their gross and fine motor skills. As well as keeping children fit and healthy physically, outdoor learning can also be beneficial for a child’s mental development, helping them to achieve an understanding of mindfulness and a sense of responsibility for protecting the planet.

At The Grammar School at Leeds, outdoor learning is an important part of life and lessons, and the school is proud to offer dedicated spaces where pupils can engage with nature in an educational way. Whether it’s amongst the trees of our idyllic forest classroom or in the vast field space, even our youngest pupils, can roam, run and safely explore the world around them with their teachers.

“Fostering a love of the outdoors is so important,” says primary teacher and Outdoor Learning Lead, Mrs Gibbs, “In GSAL Primary, outdoor learning is an integral part of the curriculum and teachers are encouraged to incorporate outdoor activities across all subjects and areas.”

Last month, pupils from nursery to year 6 enjoyed an entire day of outdoor learning in the forest classroom and in the fields.  Regular lessons incorporated nature and the outdoors in inspiring and immersive ways: from analysing soil samples to using natural materials like pine cones and shells to create beautiful artistic sculptures.

In a world where children are becoming increasingly reliant on technology, Mrs Gibbs believes it is important for children to go outside as often as possible. In her monthly ‘Nature Connections’ newsletter to primary teachers, Mrs Gibbs highlights ways to bring the natural world into the classroom, from creative activities to helpful resources and information on season-specific plants or animals that can be admired.

As a Green Flag school, we encourage everyone to see the potential in the outdoors: if you would like to get outside with your child more, here are some helpful resources full of ideas and activities for exploring the natural world in an educational and exciting way!