Learning in the Natural Environment
(LINE)
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore, learn from, and connect deeply with the natural environment. By immersing children in hands-on outdoor experiences, we inspire a love for the wonders of the natural world. Our unique grounds and location enable us to maximise the benefits of an outdoor classroom, fostering not only academic growth but also enhancing confidence, self-esteem, social skills, and overall well-being. Through this holistic approach, we nurture curious, resilient, and environmentally conscious learners.
Our Aims:
- To make regular and frequent learning opportunities within the outdoors
- To embed LINE within the whole school curriculum
- To use holistic learning approaches – developing and supporting the whole child
- To develop a strong sense of stewardship and environmental awareness
- To utilise range of pedagogy
- To deepen connections with the local environment
- To develop good ecological practice and understanding
Our Offer:
Our LINE curriculum is designed to engage every child across the school, catering to diverse levels and individual needs. We emphasise utilising all of our natural surroundings, including our school grounds, the developing forest school area, the protected marshlands managed by the RSPB, and the nearby coastline. This curriculum is dynamic and continuously evolving to provide meaningful outdoor learning experiences.
Delivery
- Forest School
Targeted groups participate in weekly 2-hour sessions, led by two trained Forest School practitioners, on a termly basis. - Outdoor School Sessions
Classes rotate fortnightly throughout the school to engage in outdoor sessions, guided by a Forest School practitioner and staff, in larger groups of around 15 students per session. - Whole-Class Learning
Outdoor lessons, whether held within the school grounds or in the wider local area, are integrated into the broader curriculum to support subjects such as art and science—for example, creating Andy Goldsworthy-inspired art projects or studying microhabitats.
There are four interrelated components to our outdoor learning offer:
- Education in the Environment
We use children’s immediate surroundings and the wider world as a valuable learning resource. This is the hands-on element of our offer, focusing on specific areas of the curriculum to enhance learning through real-world experiences.
Examples:
- Science: Species identification and classification; coastal and marshland habitat investigations.
- Art: Environmental or marine-inspired art, influenced by artists such as Andy Goldsworthy.
- Education about the Environment
Children develop knowledge, understanding, and awareness of their local environment, before extending this to a wider appreciation of global environmental issues.
Examples:
- Learning how to behave responsibly and safely when using the beach or other local natural spaces.
- Understanding natural processes such as tides and changing seasons.
- Education for the Environment
This component focuses on nurturing positive attitudes and behaviours towards the environment. It builds upon the first two elements, encouraging children to take responsibility and act as stewards of the natural world.
Example:
- Mini litter picks and other community-based environmental projects.
- Wellbeing
The final element recognises the growing importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all children—both nationally and here at Marshside. Outdoor learning provides opportunities for children to connect with themselves, others, and nature, helping them to develop a sense of calm, belonging, and balance.
Examples:
- Mindfulness and reflection activities in nature.
- Exercises that foster connection, empathy, and emotional resilience.
These elements are considered when planning for these sessions.
“The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky.”
-Margaret McMillan
