Learning without walls

Maria Blake, Headteacher of Dallington School in London, champions the benefits of outdoor learning...

Dallington is a school that holds a unique place in the constellation of outstanding London schools – a vibrant oasis of creativity; proudly and fiercely independent. Established and led for over 40 years by Mogg Hercules MBE, it has been the school of choice for parents seeking an exceptional education for their children. Taking over the headship presents a formidable challenge – how to celebrate and develop Mogg’s legacy, whilst bringing to bear my own style and experience?

As I begin this fascinating journey, I hope to champion Outdoor Learning and to ultimately see our children fly the flag that will inspire other schools to recognise this learning as a fundamental part of the holistic education we all aim to offer.

We are living in a time when, as parents, we are more protective of our children than ever. The world can appear an unpredictable and dangerous place, so our parental instincts are completely understandable. For those of us raising children in cities, the potential for disaster can seem to lurk around every corner. These fears are naturally absorbed by our children and are reflected back at them through television, film and social media. Coupled with the increasing pressure on even the youngest of our children to outperform themselves academically, it should shock nobody that we are facing a national wellbeing crisis.

As schools are being increasingly expected to address this crisis, whilst simultaneously delivering outstanding academic results, it is clear that wellbeing cannot be improved by timetabling ‘Wellbeing’ for a Wednesday afternoon.

Here at Dallington, our Year 3 children are counting the sleeps until next Thursday, when they will be setting off for their first school camping experience. This camp is an integral part of the mosaic that makes up our enhanced Outdoor Learning Programme, which runs from Nursery through to Year 6. Whilst Outdoor Learning may be having something of a moment in wider education circles and the benefits of an inclusive, exciting, challenging programme well established, many schools have allowed such learning to be overshadowed by results-driven, academic priorities.

Having planned and led residential school trips for over 30 years, implementing full outdoor learning programmes in several schools around the world, I am in no doubt about the extraordinary impact these experiences have on children.

The Year 3 children who return from their camp next week will be subtly yet noticeably different from the children who set off. For many, simply saying goodbye to their parents will be a new experience and a considerable achievement. For every child, taking shared responsibility for their backpacks, tents and dinners will be fresh and exciting. Working together to keep every member of the team buoyant and busy, whilst immersed in activities and overcoming challenges, will be unprecedented. The collective sense of satisfaction in a job well done and – as they say – being their best selves together will be unlimited.

We believe that our Outdoor Learning Programme is essential if our children are to develop the skills and qualities they will need to flourish and succeed in life, whatever their age and whatever life might throw at them. Far more than just a fun time in a forest with their friends, the programme builds from Nursery onwards, incorporating experiences and challenges and, yes, a lot of fun in a variety of wild settings – from Highgate Wood to the Arctic wilderness of Northern Finland. We know that this learning will lead to improved performance, improved mental and physical wellbeing and improved behaviours and communication skills, both in school and at home. We hope too, that in a time when so many working parents are time-poor, the children themselves will discover new interests that they can share with their families, impacting quality family times.

Over the past 40 years, Dallington children have earned a well-deserved reputation for being independent, curious, critical thinkers and learners. They learn to recognise their own energies and to understand how this interacts with and impacts a group dynamic; how to use their communication skills to explore ideas and resolve conflicts; the importance of engaging with perspectives, experiences and opinions that are different to their own, at every age.

In developing our Outdoor Learning Programme, we are absolutely building on this legacy, promoting and celebrating the wellbeing of all our children in an inclusive environment, as they themselves prepare to forge a successful path in a rapidly changing world.

Meanwhile, in Year 3, there are 6 sleeps to go ….

Please visit www.dallingtonschool.co.uk to learn more about our outdoor programme and our cross-curricular approach to learning. Join one of our daily tours and come and see us in action!

This article first appeared in Which London School? & the South-East 2019/20, which can be read below: