A survey commissioned by the Bohunt Education Trust (BET) has revealed that people want a greater focus on outdoor learning for schoolchildren.
Almost one in eight adults involved in the research stressed the importance of learning outdoors on children’s development with the majority saying it also improved academic achievement.
But the survey, which asked more than 1,000 adults, found that people believed children today go on fewer school expeditions and trips than when they themselves were at school. Nearly three quarters of people blamed cost as the main factor preventing children from trips and outdoor learning.
Of the people involved in the poll, carried out by Censuswide, 10% believed that children today go on, or have more opportunity for outdoor education than they did growing up. From this more than 72% asked for greater focus on outdoor education for both Primary and Secondary schools.
Response to the findings
Phil Avery, director of Education at BET, said: “It is a real shame that outdoor education opportunities have decreased for many young people but we are proud to be one of the leading providers of outdoor education in the country, and given the positive impact of such opportunities on children and young people, we are keen to work with other schools, academy trusts and education providers to ensure that more students have access to outdoor learning.”
The findings tally with a study by the Education Endowment Foundation last month which looked at ‘Outdoor Adventure Learning’ and the benefits and effects it has on children.
This study found that: ‘Studies of adventure learning interventions consistently show positive benefits on academic learning. On average, pupils who participate in adventure learning interventions make approximately four additional months’ progress over the course of a year.’
About the Bohunt Education Trust
BET, is an academy trust with schools in Liphook, Hampshire, Worthing, Wokingham, Portsmouth, Norwich and Horsham. It provides outdoor education for schools and ‘champions an extensive outdoor education and outdoor learning programme for all its students, nurturing talents and providing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.’
For more information, visit www.bohunttrust.co.uk.
