Outodoor education
Connecting with nature and the local area
At Peter Pan Preschool and the English Primary School, as in all Becoming Education schools, Outdoor Education is not just an occasional activity; it is a way of experiencing school life.
The outdoor environment becomes an extension of the classroom: a living space where children can develop independence, curiosity and awareness.
The schools boast extensive, well-structured green spaces: a large natural area we call the Secret Garden and two further outdoor areas, a tree-lined, well-equipped park dedicated to break times and daily activities. At the Preschool, we also have an educational vegetable garden, where children experience first-hand the processes of growing and caring for nature.
According to the principles of contemporary pedagogy, the environment acts as the ‘third teacher’: it actively influences learning processes and supports the development of independence, exploratory thinking and cross-curricular skills.
Evidence from neuroscience confirms the role of the natural environment in promoting attention, emotional regulation and well-being, thanks to conditions of greater balance and reduced cognitive load.
Why the outdoors is so significant
Spending time outdoors helps children develop better. It boosts physical and mental wellbeing, stimulates the imagination and encourages collaboration. Conflicts decrease, whilst self-confidence increases.
Children become more open to the complexities of life. Together with their teachers, they learn to care for the environment, to observe changes in it, and to understand the value of sustainability and biodiversity. This learning is lasting because it is connected to real life.
The benefits of Outdoor Education
- Physical and emotional wellbeing Movement, natural light and fresh air, contact with nature
- Curiosity and observation Developing a scientific eye
- Collaboration and independence Working together in real-life contexts
- Multisensory experiences Touching, listening, smelling, looking, coordinating body and mind
- Environmental awareness Learning about, understanding and respecting the ecosystem
- Risk assessment Anticipating the consequences of actions, recognising one’s physical limits, self-regulation
Outdoor Education in the 3–10 Age Group
L'esperienza outdoor accompagna i bambini in tutto il percorso scolastico, con proposte calibrate sull'età e sulle competenze da sviluppare.
Children spend time outdoors every day: in the play areas and the Secret Garden, a natural environment that becomes a real open-air classroom.
They go outside twice a day: they explore, play and observe nature, developing independence, collaboration and observational skills. The Secret Garden is also a meeting place that brings children and families together throughout the year.
The outdoor environment is a prime learning space; working outside helps children see the world through fresh eyes and develop critical thinking and collaboration.
- Outdoor science, maths and art activities
- Sustainability and environmental care projects
- Outdoor storytelling and art projects
- Explorations of the surrounding area
- Collaboration and problem-solving in real-life contexts
Children spend time outdoors every day: in the play areas and the Secret Garden, a natural environment that becomes a real open-air classroom.
They go outside twice a day: they explore, play and observe nature, developing independence, collaboration and observational skills. The Secret Garden is also a meeting place that brings children and families together throughout the year.
The outdoor environment is a prime learning space; working outside helps children see the world through fresh eyes and develop critical thinking and collaboration.
- Outdoor science, maths and art activities
- Sustainability and environmental care projects
- Outdoor storytelling and art projects
- Explorations of the surrounding area
- Collaboration and problem-solving in real-life contexts
Our outdoor spaces
At Preschool, the children spend time outdoors every day: in the play areas and the Secret Garden, a natural setting that becomes a real open-air classroom.
Through exploration, observation and direct contact with nature, they develop curiosity, independence and a sense of well-being.
In Primary, outdoor spaces are an integral part of the educational experience. Children play, observe phenomena, collect data, give lessons and presentations, explore the local area and link what they see to the topics covered in class.
Educational Outings
Educational outings are opportunities to broaden cultural horizons and strengthen relationships. They allow children and young people to gain first-hand experience of what they are studying in class.
We organise outings and trips, including day trips, not only to parks but also within the local neighbourhood. The school engages with the local area through explorations, visits and discovery trails in local locations:
Our destinations
- Theatre performances
- Exhibitions, historical and artistic sites
- Natural environments
- Scientific field trips in the local area
Multi-day trips
We organise multi-day trips: experiences of independence, sharing and discovery that strengthen the group and create unforgettable memories.
Frequently asked questions
The programme also extends to the local area through neighborhood explorations, trips to natural environments, and visits to cultural sites such as museums and theaters.
Start your journey with us
Come and discover Peter Pan/EPS: book a visit or request information. We look forward to seeing you!