LTS’s recent guidance on Curriculum for Excellence concludes that ‘outdoors is often a more effective place to learn than indoors’. The same document highlights that ‘school grounds are often the first step in taking pupils outdoors’ because practical issues of weather, timetabling, ratios, risk and travel costs are much easier to manage. Through effective use of school ground, enriching learning outdoors need not be expensive. Across the UK it is estimated that more than half of all outdoor learning takes places in school grounds.
GfL’s work with teachers demonstrates that all curriculum areas can be enriched by using outdoor spaces creatively. Involving pupils, parents and the wider community in improving and looking after their grounds offers great opportunities to develop citizenship, responsibility and teamwork and for developing a sense of participation and pride in school. Better school grounds have a significant impact on learning with pupils enjoying their school experience more and being more settled in class. In a survey of schools that had improved their grounds, 65% reported an improved attitude to learning.
School grounds can give young people regular and powerful experiences of natural systems as part of their daily lives, as well as opportunities to be actively involved in enjoying nature. They provide a real and relevant context for learning about biodiversity, soils, climate change, renewable energy, active travel, composting and waste. They are vital in helping young people to understand environmental issues and adopt green attitudes and lifestyles.
The recent review of Scotland’s physical activity strategy concluded that the best way to get the nation active was not through formal sport or PE, but advised that, ‘the creation and provision of environments that encourage and support physical activity offer the greatest potential to get the nation active.’ School grounds are one of the most important of these environments –offering the potential to make a real and lasting impact on the activity levels of Scotland’s young people. In our survey of schools that had improved their grounds, 85% reported increases in active play. Good grounds also support emotional wellbeing through creating attractive, safe and fun spaces, likewise diet can be improved by growing food in school.
Some of the most important lessons in life – learning how to play fair, negotiate, be part of a team, deal with bullies and have fun – are learned in the playground. In our survey, 84% of schools that had improved their grounds reported improved social interaction. 64% reported reduced bullying.
Develop the skills and confidence to make outdoor learning a...
£378.00