Outdoor Classroom Day November 2022

Schools from across the UK join forces with Outward Bound in campaign to get more kids outdoors

This week young people from across the UK visited our centres as part of a residential with their School, Youth Group, or University. Taking on the elements as part of a worldwide movement to inspire and celebrate outdoor play and learning outside the classroom – Outdoor Classroom Day.

As part of their residential, participants got to explore some of the wildest corners and tallest mountains the British Isles has to offer. Taking time away from textbooks, technology and TikTok to test themselves with activities like gorge scrambling, rock climbing, rowing and canoeing.

Their experience contrasts with many young people across the country who are spending less time outdoors than ever before – affecting their health, wellbeing, and development. With the average young person estimated to spend around 95% of their time indoors. Meaning that many of the UK’s children are spending less recreational time outside than Britain’s prison population.

Their Outward Bound course was tailored to confront this worrying trend, by demonstrating how connecting with nature and getting outdoors can benefit them personally. Their course also challenged them to never give up, to change their perspective and to learn the most important lesson they could ever learn: to believe in themselves.

Research tells us that developing new skills in an outdoor context builds leadership skills, promotes resilience and increases levels of wellbeing. Providing opportunities to experience the world around us is an essential and valued part of our curriculum. This type of activity enables young people to develop the skills they need to be able to achieve, not just at school, but also in life.

Jackie Telfer, Deputy Head Teacher at Braeview Academy

Who took part?

We would like to give a huge shoutout and congratulations to all the young people who celebrated Outdoor Classroom Day with us this week from:

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School
Northern Saints CofE
Tanfield Lea Primary
Braeview Academy
The University of Strathclyde
Brandon Primary
The Kingston Academy (London)

I loved being outdoors and exploring the environment around me with my team! Even when the going got tough and the weather was harsh, we pulled together as a team and got on with it. I learned that I could do anything if I put my mind to it and I know I’ll approach challenges with a lot more confidence no matter what they are.

Kingston Academy Student

Our mission is to inspire young people so they can achieve more than they ever thought possible. This week, we did this with over 418 young people immersing them in some of Britain’s wildest places.

We do this throughout the year, come rain or shine, wind or snow. Outdoor Classroom Dayruns twice a year in the Spring and Autumn.

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