Teach Primary Issue 18.4

Outdoor adventure education backed by research Resilience-building trips at Kingswood 1 EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES We know that well-delivered OAE trips can enhance learning back in the classroom, but understanding and evidencing this can be challenging. Kingswood recognise the need for robust, research- informed and evidence-based practices – not only does this give students the best possible experience, it also gives teachers the tools they need to justify, organise and enhance the impact of a trip. Kingswood’s latest research was publishing in the peer-reviewed ‘Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning’, and demonstrates the life-changing impacts of their OAE offering. What this research shows is that Kingswood’s ‘resilience building’ residentials do not simply tick an Ofsted box, the impacts can be transformational. 2 IMMEDIATE POSITIVE CHANGES It is not surprising that the negative impact of the pandemic is still being felt by children and young people. What is encouraging is the positive change outdoor learning can create. So much so that Kingswood’s residential adventures can have a powerful and immediate effect on wellbeing, confidence and resilience. 94 per cent of children felt they gained in self-confidence after their Kingswood experience. Moreover, outdoor learning can positively impact children’s capacity to cope with uncertainty, and improve their stress responses, creating healthy, resilient youngsters. 3 BUILD SOCIAL CONNECTIONS Why is this so important? Through the years, we have thrived as a species by connecting with others. We need human connection with others physically and emotionally to improve our health and overall wellbeing. By bringing children together on a residential, opportunities to bond and connect are unmatched. After a day of adventure, encouragement, social interaction and laughter, every individual feels a sense of achievement – whether from participating in an activity or bonding with their camp mates. The residential aspect of a Kingswood experience builds on this and can often be missed when primary schools opt for day trips. 4 21ST CENTURY SKILL DEVELOPMENT The ‘four Cs’ of 21st century skills: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, are integrated into Kingswood’s programmes. These attributes are widely recognised as essential life skills that lead to success academically and in the workplace. Honing these skills from a young age can be highly beneficial, especially for Year 6s ahead of their leap to secondary school. 5 SELF-ESTEEM IS EVERYTHING Bolstering self-esteem is at the core of the experience Kingswood provides. By giving children the chance to believe in themselves, they are often surprised by their capabilities. Beyond the rush of adrenaline from abseiling down a high tower, children realise they can do anything they set their mind to; a feeling that resonates long after a residential experience. Kingswood pride themselves on highly-trained, agile instructors who can adapt to their group with positive influence and encouragement that enables individuals to set their own goals and really go for it. KEY POINTS 94 per cent of participants said they felt more self- confident because of their Kingswood trip 4 in every 5 students reported being more confident in meeting new people 70 per cent reported feeling more confident about their education 80 per cent felt more positive about people from different backgrounds to themselves REASONS TO TRY… 5 30 SECOND BRIEFING All year round, Kingswood’s 11 UK outdoor activity centres welcome schools of all age and ability to experience skill-building, memory-making adventures in beautiful natural environments. Contact: kingswood.co.uk 0800 655 6564 sales@ kingswood.co.uk Download Kingswood’s latest research www.teachwire.net | 61 PARTNER CONT ENT