Outdoor Learning through the school day – the National Curriculum in a tent.

Abstract

This paper is concerned with creating an Outdoor Learning day within the grounds of a Primary school, but with the aim of reducing perceived barriers to Learning Outside of the Classroom. The phenomenological study aimed to capture the teacher’s and children’s perspectives towards the day that involved practical activities around tent building, making cross-curricular links to Maths Science and English. Problem solving, working in a team and developing numeracy and literacy skills were also core learning outcomes. Data collection for the study was through a questionnaire, in-class observations and an interview with the teacher as well as a focus group with four pupils. The data suggested that learning had taken place and that learning outdoors made a positive contribution to pupils’ engagement. Also that the teacher’s overall view of Outdoor Learning was a positive one, the study closing with a growing sense of confidence regarding the teacher’s freedom to construct their own Outdoor Learning experiences for pupils in the future.