Access our  Outdoor Learning policy statement to find out more about Carnegie’s approach to Outdoors Learning, what Natural Connections can offer and how our older children engage with John Muir aware and also their Residential Experience at Ardroy.

‘Being outdoors is a vital part of growing up and living a healthy and fulfilled life. Outdoor learning benefits children, young people and adults alike. It engages our heart through what we feel and the emotions we experience; our heads through what we think; see and say; and our hands through our physical experiences including how we move through the space the space provides. Outdoor learning can happen anywhere – from school grounds to local greenspace, from the high street, to national parks; from outside your front door to the rest of the world.’                                         Education Scotland, 2021

Rationale

Outdoor Learning can enhance and integrate a broad range of core experiences across the whole curriculum, not always visible in the classroom – a wide variety of activities which connect learners with their environment, their community, their society and themselves. Learning outdoors can be enjoyable, creative, challenging and adventurous and helps children learn by experience and grow as confident and responsible citizens who value and appreciate the spectacular landscapes, natural heritage and culture of Scotland.

At Carnegie, we want our children to:
– participate in a range of progressive and creative outdoor learning experiences
– engage in regular, frequent, enjoyable and challenging opportunities while learning outdoors
– embed outdoor learning experiences across the curriculum so that learning in the outdoor environment becomes a reality

Learning outdoors with Natural Connection

Natural Connections is based on the belief that the best outdoor learning combines adventure skills, personal and social development and learning about the environment. Other important aspects of learning outdoors are the benefits to health, gaining a better understanding of our rights and responsibilities and learning to understand and deal with risk. The Natural Connections programme is designed to offer this balance. Natural Connections uses enjoyable and challenging outdoor experiences to progressively develop skills and understanding.

Natural Connections balances six different outdoor experiences. The different elements of Natural Connections are all connected

• finding your way provides skills that will make journeying successful
• discovering nature helps understanding of the natural world by making connections when developing adventure skills
• working together makes it easier when helping the environment