In an age of screens and packed timetables, learning outdoors is key. Not only does it feel good to connect with nature, research increasingly shows that the advantages of outdoor learning are plenty. Besides having more space to move, it also improves overall health and wellbeing, promotes physical activity, supports personal social development, and encourages better academic engagement.
If you’re looking for a school with outdoor education weaved into its curriculum, don’t look further than Lord Wandsworth College. The school’s expansive 1200-acre campus set in the rolling countryside, on the Surrey-Hampshire border, is where children get to put outdoor learning ideas into practice every day. Keep reading as we go into greater detail about the benefits of outdoor learning, why it’s so important in this day and age, and how different subjects and co-curriculars can be translated into outdoor learniuggests that there are five core benefitng activities that are fun and exciting.
Key Takeaways
- Outdoor learning uses the outdoors to teach and develop pupils, and a growing body of research links it to better engagement, wellbeing and personal development.
- The benefits span five areas: academic engagement, mental and physical wellbeing, physical activity, confidence and teamwork, and a connection with nature.
- Outdoor learning is not just for young children; it is valuable throughout secondary school, from fieldwork and expeditions to challenge and leadership.
- Time outdoors supports focus and mental health and offers a valuable break from screens.
- Space matters: a large campus and outdoor classrooms make richer outdoor learning possible without leaving the grounds.
- At Lord Wandsworth College, which has one of the largest school campuses in the UK, the outdoors is central to learning and co-curricular life; book a visit to see it.
What Is Outdoor Learning (and Why It Matters)?
Outdoor learning refers to education or lessons that take place in outdoor environments, outside of the usual classroom setting. It is when schools use natural, open-air spaces to teach and enhance a student’s learning experience, which may involve expeditions, teamwork challenges, fieldtrips, problem-solving and reflection. But why is outdoor learning so important? There’s numerous evidence-backed research highlighting the importance of outdoor learning where it extends beyond academic learning, often supporting physical, social and personal development too.
The Benefits of Outdoor Learning: What the Research Shows
Research suggests that there are five core benefits of outdoor education in a child’s overall development: academic ability, health and wellbeing, physical activity, personal and social growth, as well as environmental connection. When put into practice, the positive impact of spending time in green outdoor spaces include better focus and memory, lower stress levels and risks of obesity, plus improved confidence and appreciation for nature.
Here’s a summary of the five advantages of outdoor learning:
| Benefit area | What the research suggests | What it looks like in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | Improved engagement, memory and attainment when learning is applied outdoors | Fieldwork, practical science, geography and maths in real settings |
| Wellbeing | Lower stress and better mood; time in nature supports mental health | Time away from screens, calmer focus, space to reset |
| Physical | More movement and activity built into the school day | Active lessons, sport, expeditions and outdoor challenge |
| Personal and social | Confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence | Problem-solving tasks, leadership and collaborative challenges |
| Environmental | A deeper connection with, and care for, the natural world | Conservation, growing, and hands-on ecology |
Outdoor Learning, Wellbeing and Time Away From Screens
In this digital age, time outdoors can give young people a good opportunity to move, reset and disconnect from their devices. In fact, research shows that higher levels of green time are linked to favourable psychological outcomes that may override the negative effects of screen time. As such, students who frequently take breaks from their screens and participate in nature activities may reap the benefits of learning outside including improved mood and mental health, better self-esteem, stronger academic outcomes and greater motivation.
Outdoor Learning Activities and Ideas Across the Curriculum
Outdoor learning can be integrated across a diverse range of subjects and ages (from young children to teenagers). Besides those that naturally lead students outdoors, such as practical Science experiments and Geography-based fieldwork, other subjects like Math and English as well as outdoor education involving conservation projects, expeditions and practical challenges can all bring learning outside the classroom.
Here are a few outdoor learning ideas and activities for different subjects in a senior school curriculum:
- Science: Conduct experiments outdoors, observe ecosystems and collect data to explore concepts such as ecology, biology and environmental science in real-world settings.
- Geography: Use the school grounds and surrounding landscape for fieldwork, collecting data and investigating physical and human geographical processes.
- Maths: Apply mathematical concepts through practical activities such as measuring distances, calculating areas and analysing data collected from the natural environment.
- English: Take reading, creative writing and descriptive exercises outdoors, using the surrounding landscape as inspiration for observation and discussion.
- Physical Education: Develop fitness, teamwork and tactical skills through outdoor sports, athletics, cross-country running and other physical challenges.
- Outdoor Education: Build confidence, resilience and independence through activities such as conservation projects, expeditions, navigation and team-based challenges.
The Outdoor Classroom: Why Space to Learn Matters
Whilst outdoor learning in schools may very well be implemented, having the space to carry out everyday teaching and co-curricular activities on-site is just as important. Rather than relying on occasional trips into nature, schools with large campuses (such as LWC’s expansive 1200-acre space) have genuine room for fieldwork, sports matches, adventurous expeditions, conservation projects, teamwork challenges and more. This allows students to experience nature-based learning without having to leave school grounds, whilst enjoying the longer-term benefits of learning outdoors.
Outdoor Learning in Practice at Lord Wandsworth College
As one of the largest schools by land in the UK, Lord Wandsworth College’s spacious 1200-acre campus is the perfect place for putting outdoor learning into practice. With first-class facilities and well-maintained fields, it makes for an exceptional setting for outdoor education and lessons, a variety of team and individual sports, DofE activities, fieldwork, practical science, and group challenges that boost student wellbeing and character development.
In fact, from September 2026, all First Form (Year 7) pupils now take part in LWC’s SOAR programme for one hour each week, using the school grounds to explore sustainability challenges and develop practical solutions to real-world problems.
Space, Campus and the Great Outdoors at LWC
Located in the rolling hills on the Surrey-Hampshire border, LWC’s 1200-acre campus offers students access to the open countryside, woodlands, sports grounds and Stern Farm. Its sheer scale gives all 700+ students the space to grow and move easily between classrooms, boarding houses and outdoor spaces, whilst being surrounded by lush greenery. Besides naturally fostering a stronger connection with nature, students also get to enjoy a tranquil, conducive environment just an hour away from central London.
DofE, Sport and Character in the Outdoors
From the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme to sport and co-curricular activities, outdoor education at LWC is designed to help our students develop resilience, critical thinking and perseverance. DofE expeditions for example, challenge pupils to navigate, collaborate and keep going when conditions become demanding. Meanwhile, sports and practical challenges which require them to work in groups can help to improve teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.
Come and See Our Grounds for Yourself
The best way to understand the value of outdoor space is to experience it first-hand. As such, we invite all families to come and visit us in person to explore our 1200-acre campus, meet pupils and staff, and ask questions about admissions. Most importantly, you’ll see how our grounds organically contribute to everyday learning as a daily, natural part of student life.