Outdoor Learning
Discover, explore, and thrive in nature in Outdoor Learning.
About
Outdoor Learning
Through a unique blend of Forest School principles and the English National curriculum, our dedicated team of passionate and highly skilled outdoor educators provide a safe, natural environment where children are free to explore, take risks, problem solve, think critically, and experience the joy of nature-based play.
We have strong focus on holistic development, nurturing the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of every child, we personalise each learner’s journey and work in close partnership with parents and teachers. This ensures all children feel connected, confident, and inspired, growing into resilient, independent, and curious lifelong learners.
Welcome from our
Head of Outdoor Learning
As the Head of Outdoor Learning, I am proud to lead a dedicated team of educators who create purposeful, meaningful experiences in the natural world. Whether working with tools, learning about local ecosystems, or cooking over an open fire, children are guided to take responsible risks, collaborate with others, and build essential life skills.
We honour the unique spirit of every learner. By blending project-based exploration with nature connection, we help students develop emotional resilience, practical competence, and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.
Our goal is simple: to nurture grounded, capable, and inspired young people who feel connected to nature and confident in themselves. I look forward to welcoming you and your child into our ever-growing outdoor learning community.
Lewis Miller - Head of Outdoor Learning
Explore Our
Outdoor Learning Programme
Explore our Outdoor Learning Programme, where prime areas of development meet practical outdoor skills. Through hands-on experiences in nature, children build confidence, resilience, and independence while mastering firecraft, bushcraft, shelter building, and environmental awareness, all within a nurturing, play-based environment that fosters curiosity, wellbeing, and real-world understanding.
PRIME AREAS
Holistic Development
In Outdoor Learning, we focus on holistic development through SPICE, supporting children’s Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Emotional growth. Through hands-on, nature-based experiences, learners build confidence, resilience, and independence, while developing key life skills in a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, connection, and a lifelong love of learning.
PRIME AREAS
Play Based Learning
Our play-based approach is rooted in leading research. Bob Hughes identified diverse play types essential for development. Pyle and Daniels showed play enhances cognitive growth. Simon Nicholson’s "loose parts theory" highlights creativity through open-ended materials. Fraser Brown emphasised play’s therapeutic value, together, shaping our rich, child-led Outdoor Learning experiences.
PRIME AREAS
Critical Thinking and Real World Engagement
Our Forest School & Real-World Projects combine nature-based learning with hands-on challenges to develop critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Children apply bushcraft and outdoor skills to meaningful projects like wildlife habitats and eco-initiatives, building independence and collaboration. This approach prepares confident, capable learners ready to impact their world.
OUTDOOR SKILLS
Wellbeing
Our Outdoor Learning Curriculum nurtures the whole child, placing wellbeing at its core. Through nature play, mindfulness, and reflection, children build resilience, confidence, and empathy. These sessions reduce stress, boost mood, and foster emotional literacy, creating a safe, supportive space where children grow through meaningful connection with the natural world.
OUTDOOR SKILLS
Fire Craft
Our Firecraft curriculum teaches children safe, respectful fire use through hands-on experiences. They learn to spark flames with flint and steel, build various fire lays, and cook simple meals, gaining confidence, responsibility, and teamwork skills. Safety, setup, and extinguishing are taught throughout in a carefully supervised outdoor learning environment.
OUTDOOR SKILLS
Bushcraft Tools
Our Bushcraft curriculum teaches children practical outdoor skills with a strong focus on safety, responsibility, and respect. Using tools from peelers to saws and axes, learners build confidence, coordination, and care. Each hands-on stage deepens their connection to nature and understanding of traditional techniques in a safe, structured environment.
OUTDOOR SKILLS
Shelter Building
Our Shelter Building curriculum teaches children to create safe, effective shelters using natural and modern materials. Focusing on knots, tools, and safety, they build with tarps, logs, and leaves, developing teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving. This hands-on learning fosters adaptability, survival skills, and a lasting connection to the natural world.
OUTDOOR SKILLS
Nature and the Environment
Our UAE Nature & Environment curriculum connects children to the Emirates’ unique biodiversity. Through safe, respectful exploration of native plants and wildlife, including the Ghaf tree and local species, learners develop environmental awareness, cultural understanding, and a deep appreciation for the natural world around them and their desert home.
A Virtual Tour
Step outside and experience the power of learning beyond the classroom. From eco-gardens to outdoor classrooms and nature trails, explore how our outdoor learning programme nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection to the world around us.
Our Impact, Their Stories
Watching my daughter's development so far has brought us great joy and hope for the future. The strong relationships she has built with her teachers and their supportive attitudes have played a significant role in this. One of her favorite classes is outdoor learning. She loves animals and nature. After each class, she excitedly shares what they did and what they have planned for the next lessons, which brings us a lot of happiness.
Catikkas Family
Year 5 Parent
Outdoor Learning has quickly become one of Ameer’s favourite parts of the week. Every Tuesday he’s up and ready with so much excitement! He loves climbing, playing with water, and getting muddy while learning new things. The safe, open space gives him the freedom to explore, be curious, and connect with nature.
The photos shared by his teachers say it all, he looks so focused, happy, and completely in his element. We’re so grateful for these rich, hands-on experiences that bring him so much joy.
Al-Jayyusi Family
FS1 Parent
frequently asked
questions
Does everyone have access to Outdoor Learning?
Yes. In Primary, all students will have access to Outdoor Learning for at least 1 session a week for a whole term.
Do we have to wear something different for Outdoor Learning?
Yes. We have a specially designed light-weight t-shirt that you can purchase from our uniform supplier. With this any closed shoes (crocs, water shoes) and some light weight shorts.
What do they bring?
We have a strict kit list to ensure the health & safety of all our students. All students need to bring a hat, water bottle and sunscreen. Bug spray is a handy optional.
What is Outdoor Learning?
Blog
HIGHLIGHTS
At WSO, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our outdoor learning programme empowers students to engage with the..
You don’t need a forest to support powerful, purposeful play at home. Here are a few simple ways you can foster playful ..
At Forest School, play isn’t just a break from learning, it is learning. Rooted in decades of research and practice, our..
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