With the publishing of the draft New Curriculum for Wales, Nature Das has been undertaking INSET and ADDS sessions to help schools develop outdoor learning within the new curriculum.

Below is an outline of how outdoor learning is vital to the New Curriculum for life.

Focus on Areas of Learning and Experience.  These are more easily experienced outdoors through outdoor learning or school trips.  This should mean schools integrate trips and outdoor learning experiences more into their planning.

Four Core purposes develop independence and real life learners.  This can be developed through the use of school grounds for problem solving activities across the curriculum. Taking measured risk is in the four core purposes which is supported through outdoor learning. Becoming ethical citizens involves gaining knowledge of nature and empathy for the Welsh environment which can only be achieved through exposure to the outdoors.

Biggest change in the curriculum is the AOLE Health and Wellbeing which identifies the importance of outdoor learning in the enrichment and experience. An easy way for schools to start to address health and wellbeing is to ensure students have regular access to outdoor space and outdoor experiences which can positively impact children’s attitudes, beliefs and self-perception.