Learning beyond the classroom, developing character and life skills. |
Outdoor Learning at Sherfield gives pupils opportunities to explore, investigate and apply their learning in our 76-acre grounds. Experiences develop with age, from early discovery to practical problem-solving, responsibility and leadership. We are building on existing activities to develop a more connected programme from Nursery to Sixth Form, with clearer progression between stages. |
Early Years | Discovering the world
Outdoor spaces give younger children opportunities to notice changes in nature, explore textures, move freely and learn through play. Adults support their curiosity and help them develop language, observation and confidence.
Prep | Investigating and taking responsibility
Outdoor Learning lessons give Prep pupils opportunities to investigate, collaborate and take responsibility. The Kitchen Garden connects learning with where food comes from. Activities such as From Seed to Plate help pupils link growing, food and the environment.
Learning that makes a difference |
Outdoor experiences complement classroom learning by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving and teamwork. Pupils can encounter unfamiliar challenges, practise making decisions and develop independence. Time in nature also creates opportunities for movement, reflection and a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility. |
Knowledge and curiosity |
Confidence and resilience |
Teamwork and communication |
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First-hand experiences encourage pupils to ask questions, investigate ideas and make connections between what they learn and the world around them. |
New challenges give pupils opportunities to try unfamiliar things, learn from mistakes and discover that progress often comes through persistence. |
Shared tasks encourage pupils to listen, contribute ideas, negotiate, solve problems together and appreciate different perspectives. |
Leadership and independence |
Wellbeing and connection with nature |
Environmental responsibility |
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As pupils grow, they can take increasing responsibility for decisions, resources, projects and the learning experiences of others. |
Time outdoors provides opportunities for movement, discovery, reflection and a change of perspective, while helping pupils develop a sense of belonging to the natural environment. |
Through experiences such as growing food, observing wildlife and exploring sustainability, pupils can begin to understand their impact on the environment and the importance of caring for the world they share. |
Our next steps include a planned nature trail at Buckfield Copse, a more structured Forest School programme in Prep, increased use of outdoor settings within Senior School subjects and further opportunities for Sixth Form leadership. These developments aim to provide increasing depth and challenge as pupils progress through the school.
My daughter looks forward to nursery each day! The room offers her such a wonderful mix of fun, learning and new experiences managed by caring and engaged staff. She has developed so much in such a short time. Would certainly recommend it.
Caterpillars Parent
The nursery is set in very nice school grounds and the children get to explore and play in these areas, the staff are always friendly and kind. The food is great and I'm kept up to date with my son's activities with the app. My son loves going to nursery and sometimes it's a struggle to get him to come home!
Ladybirds parent
This nursery combines excellent facilities (good outdoor area, regular walks around the lake on the grounds, etc) with a focus on physical well-being (such as baby yoga, developing skills on teeth brushing) and a strong academic ethos (learning languages from age 2). My son thrives here, is happy, and I feel safe knowing the environment he is in.
Butterflies Parent
The staff are incredibly loving and the food is excellent. The school grounds are beautiful and it’s great that my daughter gets to go out most days. One of my highlights has been the Head Chef for the school spending the afternoon teaching the nursery children how to cook pizzas. My child has made huge personal developments and I truly believe it’s down to the nursery.
Pre-Reception Parent
