TST5

www.teachwire.net/school-trips | 11 NA TURE Dr John Allan is head of learning and impact at Kingswood people to ignite their sense of worth and purpose in life. OA, therefore, provides the bedrock for real-life learning that is both memorable and meaningful. Research suggests that learning in predictable, uni-sensory settings, like some classrooms, is less impactful than in changeable, natural, multi-sensory environments (2). Here, learners can connect first-hand with their surroundings, awakening their creative thinking, care for others and problem-solving capabilities. Whether youngsters immerse themselves in nature within their localities, school grounds or a broader outdoor residential experience, natural settings provide a sense of freedom, an awareness crystallised by the pandemic lockdowns. Schoolchildren engaged in nature-based learning have reported better academic achievement (in comparison to their peers or projected attainment) in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, and are more intrinsically motivated (3). Nature exposure is shown to improve children’s concern for the environment, motor skill abilities, school attendance and wider learning. OA learning is particularly relevant for tasks requiring attention, working memory and collaborations with others – all essential capabilities required during exam I N SUMMARY We live in a world that resembles a moving target; it is estimated that 65% of children today will end up in jobs yet to be invented (7). Secondary school students should become competent not only in replicating facts but also in self-regulating their behaviours to properly understand knowledge and use it within and beyond their assessment. A range of ‘21st Century Skills’, or QI skills, are required for young people to adapt to continual change. Nurturing an optimum blend of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional literacy is most important in childhood. A toolkit of skill sets can be fostered to help children adapt to the challenges of today and oriented to help them face the demands of tomorrow. The dynamic nature of outdoor adventure reflects our constantly changing world; this makes it ideal for developing the skills children need to adapt to present difficulties and build capacity for the future. References 1. bit.ly/3sxdqLn 2. bit.ly/49CItp8 3. bit.ly/47Jpc4h 4. bit.ly/46lKrHZ 5. bit.ly/47BzfIs 6. bit.ly/3unkFWC 7. bit.ly/3G86yHo preparatory periods (4). Although we may believe that time spent outdoors away from studying is wasteful, neuroscience tells us that the most impactful forms of learning are those that intersperse organised chunks of learning with interruptions for inspiring experiences with others or quiet time. This process allows new material to be absorbed as new brain cells are created and neural pathways strengthened. Exposure to the outdoors is built upon these principles and will heighten students’ chances of academic success. Lasting growth Despite these many benefits, OA and nature-based learning do not offer a magic solution for all young people. For example, substantial numbers of youngsters, particularly those from disadvantaged households, have restricted access to outdoor spaces (5) and gained less from nature connections during the pandemic lockdowns than their more affluent peers (6). Furthermore, to understand the power of OA and reduce barriers to participation, more robust research is required to understand the underpinning mechanisms within OA that can be optimised to generate beneficial outcomes for a plurality of learners. Nevertheless, there is a wealth of evidence to suggest that, if appropriately delivered, OA generates meaningful educational outcomes within and beyond natural settings. At a point in history where young people have faced unprecedented upheaval and threats to their well-being, it has never been more important to create opportunities for them to build an array of ‘21st Century Skills’ to deal with uncertainties in a fast-moving world, both presently and down the line. Underpinned by an experiential learning framework, OA provides a platform for impactful, authentic experiences that embolden personal growth and should be considered a fundamental part of the fabric of secondary education. @Kingswood_ kingswood.co.uk