Blog: Outdoor Learning: How We Use Surrey’s Countryside to Enhance Education

At Lingfield College, we strongly believe that an enriching educational experience extends far beyond the classroom. 

We’re blessed to be nestled in the stunning Surrey countryside on the Kent and Sussex borders, with the school uniquely positioned to harness the beautiful natural environment as a powerful educational resource.

With June marking the peak green season at Lingfield, there's no better time to explore what outdoor learning is all about and how it contributes positively to education.

Surrey’s Beauty - a Perfect Accompaniment

The abundance of trees, woodlands, and meadows surrounding our campus provides a positive addition to everyday learning. Our students have access to diverse ecosystems just a stone’s throw away, which, especially during the warmer months, allows them to foster meaningful connections with the outside world—a rarity in this day and age.

As our Educational Vision emphasises, today's students are growing up in a rapidly changing world. The benefits of outdoor learning are particularly relevant in preparing them for this future, reminding them of the beautiful world we live in, all while offering an immersive and rewarding learning experience where they’re outside the usual four walls.

Why Outdoor Learning Matters

Why is outdoor learning important in contemporary education? 

Research regularly shows that learning in natural environments enhances cognitive development, improves concentration, and boosts creativity in students. 

At Lingfield College, we've witnessed firsthand how outdoor experiences help develop the twelve core competencies highlighted in our Educational Vision. The natural environment provides opportunities for problem-solving, developing resilience, building teamwork, and enhancing physical and mental wellbeing, which we take very seriously. 

We’re always exploring ways that new and interesting experiences, such as being immersed in the natural environment, can complement our academic curriculum while empowering our students’ vital life skills.

Lingfield’s Approach to Outdoor Learning

Across all age groups, from nursery to sixth form, we integrate outdoor learning activities that are age-appropriate and suitable for the curriculum we teach. Our dedicated teachers are trained on how to maximise the educational value of outdoor experiences, ensuring they seamlessly connect with classroom learning.

For example, in the Prep School, structured outdoor learning might include nature journaling and habitat studies at our prep school pond, or outdoor maths classes using an array of different natural materials at Forest School. Our Eco Warriors Club also provides the opportunity to plant edible produce, which can be harvested later in the year. Meanwhile, Senior School students and Sixth Formers might take part in more sophisticated field activities across geography, biology, sociology or art in a single outdoor session. They also have access to our wellbeing garden, where they can either get involved in gardening club or just relax and enjoy the surroundings at lunchtime.

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Students

The outdoor learning benefits we observe in our students are profound. Many concepts and theories are better taught and understood when outdoors, whether it’s studying the water cycle or engaging in practical science experiments using natural elements.

On top of that, regular outdoor activity improves coordination, fitness, gross motor skills and heart health, which is particularly important in an era where it’s easy to spend an extended time staring at a screen. The mental benefits are astounding, with the tranquil environment providing a much-needed sense of calm and stress relief. Our school counsellors regularly observe how outdoor sessions help students process emotions and build emotional resilience.

Outdoor settings naturally encourage collaboration and communication. Away from the familiar classroom environment, different strengths and ideas emerge more fervently. But, perhaps most importantly, students develop a genuine connection with nature, which is incredibly difficult to cultivate theoretically or organically while being confined indoors.

Embrace Outdoor Learning Ideas 

As we prepare our students for a technology-led and unpredictable world, the benefits of outdoor learning for children become increasingly apparent. Lingfield College’s approach is not to view outdoor learning as a luxury, but rather an integral part of our educational philosophy. Using the magnificent countryside that we’re so blessed to have as an extension of our classrooms, we’re giving our students an educational experience that is valuable and purposeful, while they’re developing the skills, attributes and mindsets they’ll need to flourish.

We invite prospective parents to visit Lingfield College during our upcoming open days to experience how our outdoor learning provision complements our academic excellence, supportive pastoral care, and excellent co-curricular programme.