Outdoor Education

The purpose of outdoor education is to promote healthier lifestyles, independence, problem solving, and safety outdoors.  Research shows that healthier and happier children do better in schools and our findings here at Archway are that our young people behave impeccably and enjoy being outdoors during the school week.

Outdoor education is not an alternative to PE lessons or break times.  It is a planned part of the curriculum and students are given the opportunity to visit local landmarks and parks and generally enjoy open green spaces to explore, discover and enjoy the natural environment.

Teachers plan these visits and full risk assessments are carried out before visits take place.  Safety, for both student and teachers, whilst enjoying being out of school is of high importance.  Outdoor education is on the curriculum all year so students are out of school in all weathers – rain or shine. 

Children are spending less time outside due to parental concerns over safety, traffic and crime.  Although the use of computers and technology is an integral part of learning, we feel that enjoying open spaces and the environment can have added benefits and increase our learner’s awareness of living a healthier lifestyle.  Outdoor education can also be used as a means of enriching learning in many subject areas like science, English and maths and we endeavour to link curriculum learning with visits to local areas.