Learners at R.E.A.L. Education have been taking their lessons into the fresh air this term, as part of the ongoing Outdoor Learning Sessions held every Friday at Underwood and every Wednesday at Ilkeston.
The term’s theme of ‘Ownership’ and ‘Calmness’ encourages learners to take pride in progress, build confidence, and find balance through time in nature. These sessions also help develop Preparation for Adulthood skills, like teamwork, communication, and emotional awareness.
Outdoor Learning connects classroom learning with real-world experiences, supporting science, art, and wellbeing. This term, learners developed plant beds and studied seasonality, focusing on identifying local plants and fungi.
Eli, one of the learners at Underwood, explained:
“I love outdoor learning because being outdoors is good for your mental health and releases dopamine which makes you happy. We’ve been learning about different types of mushrooms, like the common puffball, and how to recognise which ones are edible and safe.”
The sessions also bring out learners’ creative sides, blending nature with artistic expression. Jasmine said:
“Outdoor learning is fun because we’ve been linking it to art. We’ve been experimenting with the colours in nature that we’ll experience in the changing seasons.”
For others, simply stepping outside is what makes the biggest difference.
“I just love being outdoors and learning out of the classroom,” added Nelly.
Through exploration and creativity, Outdoor Learning gives REAL Education learners new ways to grow — not only in knowledge, but in confidence, curiosity, and connection with the world.
