Discovering Nature through Outdoor Learning
Mr J Lalley – Prep 5 Teacher
St Bede’s Prep School has introduced an innovative outdoor curriculum called “Bedian Rangers”. This program brings students out of the traditional classroom and into a dedicated outdoor learning environment, fostering a deeper connection with nature and enhancing various aspects of their development.
The Bedian Rangers program and outdoor classroom
The program emphasizes hands-on learning within the school’s grounds and surrounding natural spaces and our very own outdoor classroom. In this immersive setting, children engage in activities that promote:
- Physical development: Opportunities for active play, climbing, and exploring enhance gross motor skills and an active lifestyle.
- Cognitive skills: Inquiry-based learning, observation, problem-solving, and critical thinking are fostered through direct interaction with the natural world.
- Social and emotional development: Collaborative activities promote teamwork, communication, and a sense of community, while interacting with nature has been linked to improved mental well-being and reduced stress.
- Creativity and imagination: Nature’s wonders provide inspiration for imaginative play, art, and storytelling.
- Environmental awareness and stewardship: Direct contact with nature helps the children develop an appreciation for the environment and the importance of sustainability.
Benefits for St Bede’s Prep pupils
The Bedian Rangers program, through its focus on outdoor learning, offers numerous benefits for the pupils at St Bede’s Prep. By spending regular time in nature, children are exposed to new experiences, which helps them gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them. It provides practical, real-life experiences that children truly absorb, with the children making compost heaps and hedgehog houses among other things. These engaging experiences teach new skills and enhance problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, all while seamlessly integrating with the curriculum. The dedicated outdoor classroom serves as a dynamic space for exploration and discovery, nurturing the children’s innate curiosity.
A holistic approach to learning
St Bede’s Prep School recognizes the profound impact of outdoor learning on children’s holistic development. The Bedian Rangers program embodies this philosophy by providing a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond the traditional classroom, preparing pupils for future challenges and fostering a lifelong love of learning. The two boys are Max and Oliver and the two girls are Scarlett and Matilda who are all collecting leaves for their leaf rubbings. The Prep school are planning to expand the curriculum with the older children as well.
The Bedian Rangers now include Preps 3, 4 and 5 with lessons always outside or in our wonderful outdoor classroom with topics including leaf rubbing, orienteering, woodwork, ornithology, recycling, gardening, wildlife, seasonal crafts, studying nature as well as a range of other fun, outdoor-based activities.
