It is a meaningful, engaging and inclusive approach that helps children connect learning to real experiences, environments and opportunities around them. From playground investigations and sensory exploration to woodland learning, gardening, storytelling, den building and local community visits, outdoor learning can support every Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) within the Curriculum for Wales.
The Curriculum for Wales encourages authentic, purposeful and experiential learning. Outdoor environments naturally create opportunities for curiosity, problem-solving, communication, wellbeing, creativity and independence. They allow learners to explore concepts in practical ways, apply skills across contexts and develop confidence through active participation.
Outdoor learning can support:
🗣️ Communication and language development through discussion, storytelling and shared experiences
🔢 Mathematical thinking through measuring, counting, pattern spotting and real-world problem solving
🔬 Scientific enquiry through observing change, investigating nature and asking questions
💚 Wellbeing through movement, regulation, collaboration and connection with nature
🎨 Creativity through open-ended exploration, expressive arts and imaginative play
🌍 Ethical and informed citizenship through caring for environments, sustainability and community engagement
Importantly, outdoor learning is not an “extra” subject. It can be woven throughout daily practice and used to support the What Matters Statements, Descriptions of Learning and Principles of Progression across the curriculum. Outdoor experiences often provide the meaningful context children need to deepen understanding and transfer learning into real-life situations.
This section of the website explores how outdoor learning connects directly to the Curriculum for Wales across different progression steps. Each page breaks down opportunities for outdoor learning by Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE), helping practitioners identify practical ways outdoor provision can support curriculum design and learner progression.
