Great Barr Academy: Meaningful maths in the mountains

The benefits of outdoor education are well documented. Our school wanted to find ways of adding value to any experience outside the classroom by linking it firmly to the curriculum: finding ways to teach core subjects, especially maths, outside school in a meaningful, enjoyable and beneficial way. Given that most class work in maths is exam-focused, we wanted to build in ways to intervene creatively, to unpick the negative mindset associated with exams.

Maths teaching is embedded in every aspect of being on the mountain, from measuring calorie intake to working out how long it will take to climb the mountain, taking into account ascent, speed and distance. You get to understand that if you are roped up to others you need to be sure of your calculations but also that you are on a journey that is going to stretch and test you.

A huge benefit in this approach is that there is a natural connection between mountain climbing and maths in as much as the process itself is important. Children learn that before you get to the ‘right answer’, you must make progress with gradual steps.

Outward Bound programmes teach resilience: students learn that halfway up a mountain, giving up at the first hurdle is not an option. Teamwork, planning, problem-solving and communication erode the feeling of isolation often experienced in traditional maths learning.