Outdoor Education

Welcome to Outdoor Education at Crosby High School. Our Outdoor Education programme is led by Mr Hannaway and is taught across all Base classes, as well as to Year 10 and Year 11 pupils working towards their Open Award qualifications in Outdoor Education.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Pupils experience a variety of outdoor environments and activities. Learning may take place within the school grounds as well as in local woodland, parks, nature reserves, coastal areas, farms, allotments and other suitable outdoor locations.

Activities may include:

• Outdoor cooking and fire lighting

• Shelter and den building

• Navigation and map reading

• Woodland and environmental activities

• Gardening and growing produce

• Animal care

• Conservation activities

• Team-building and problem-solving challenges

• Walking and exploring the local environment

• Using outdoor tools and equipment safely

These experiences allow pupils to develop practical skills while applying communication, literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in real-life situations.

Personal Development

Outdoor Education has an important role within the wider curriculum at Crosby High. Pupils are given opportunities to work both independently and as part of a team, take appropriate risks, solve problems and experience success outside the classroom.

Through Outdoor Education pupils can develop:

• Confidence and self-esteem

• Independence

• Resilience and perseverance

• Communication skills

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Responsibility

• Decision-making and problem-solving skills

• An understanding of personal and environmental safety

Activities are adapted to ensure pupils can participate successfully while being appropriately challenged.

Key Stage 4

Outdoor Education is available to pupils in Key Stage 4 and provides a practical pathway for pupils who benefit from learning through experience.

Pupils develop a range of outdoor, environmental and life skills while working towards relevant Open Awards accreditation where appropriate.

The course combines practical activities with opportunities for pupils to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. Evidence of learning can be gathered through practical observation, photographs, discussion and completed work.

Pupils may experience areas such as woodland activities, animal care, horticulture, conservation, outdoor cooking and other practical outdoor skills.

Preparation for Adulthood

Outdoor Education gives pupils opportunities to develop skills that are valuable beyond school. Working with other people, following instructions, using equipment safely, caring for animals and the environment, completing practical tasks and taking responsibility all support preparation for adulthood.

The subject also introduces pupils to skills associated with a range of employment sectors, including horticulture, animal care, conservation, outdoor education, environmental work and land-based industries.

Above all, Outdoor Education gives pupils opportunities to experience success, develop greater independence and recognise what they are capable of achieving.