More outdoor learning “essential” for young people in Scotland, says study

More outdoor learning is “essential” for young people in Scotland, whose opportunities to go outside fall far short of what is offered in other countries, says a new study. 

The study, led by the University of Stirling, calls for greater support for outdoor learning – from lessons outside to trips and residential stays – to be embedded in all levels of Scottish education, from early years to high school. The authors argue that teacher support is key to improving provision. 

Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence requires educators to offer opportunities for all children and young people to enjoy first-hand, curriculum-linked experience outdoors, whether within the school grounds, in urban green spaces, in Scotland’s countryside or in wilder environments. 

Outdoor learning is also part of the formal curriculum for three- to 18-year-olds under the Scottish Government’s Learning for Sustainability action plan. In Scotland, Learning for Sustainability invites engagement across the curriculum addressing sustainable development and global citizenship, often through outdoor experiential approaches. 

On average, Scots primary school pupils in 2022 were only getting seven minutes a week of outdoor learning (excluding physical education) – far short of what is offered in other countries, and lower than in the past, according to research* carried out as part of the study.  

Seven minutes a week

Researchers collected data from education practitioners across Scotland. Surveys were conducted each May and June in 2006, 2014 and 2022. The data showed that primary school children spent on average just seven minutes per week learning outdoors in 2022, compared to 30 minutes per week in 2014, and 19 minutes per week in 2006.  

However, early years centres increased their outdoor provisions, with 38% of children’s time in being spent outdoors in 2022, up from 36% in 2014, and 23% in 2006.   

The surveys covered 1,200 outdoor lessons, events, or trips, including residential stays, and excursions to local areas and centres such as farms and parks. Physical education lessons were excluded. Most outdoor learning provision occurs in school grounds and local areas.  

More to do

As well as being good for subject learning and health, outdoor learning has the potential to transform how young people understand and care for the environment, say the report’s authors – essential at a time of climate and biodiversity crisis.  

The study, a collaboration with the University of Glasgow, found that, when children do spend time in green spaces and nature as part of outdoor learning, it is not necessarily connected to environmental issues or concerns. The authors say there is more to do to link outdoor learning to Scotland’s Learning for Sustainability framework, which has a target of every learning setting for three to 18-year-olds to be sustainable by 2030.  

The Scottish Government’s focus on closing the attainment gap between Scotland’s richest and poorest households has led to a shift away from outdoors and sustainability learning in schools, especially in areas of deprivation, says the study.  

Marked downturn

Professor Greg Mannion, of the University of Stirling, said: “Our report shows that outdoor educational provisions as part of Learning for Sustainability are struggling to become part of the regular routine curriculum for all. Young people are calling for this. Teachers, too, look for support now to gain more confidence and capacity to utilise school grounds and local areas. Funding for professional learning is key to more time spent outdoors as part of school education. At a time of climate and nature emergency, providing relevant outdoor learning opportunities is essential, and our findings should be cause for deep concern.”  

He added: “While the restrictions of Covid-19 can explain some of the decline among primary schools in 2022, there is nevertheless a marked downturn in outdoor provision. Seven minutes a week outside is inadequate for our young children when one in five state schools in Denmark and more than two-thirds in Norway are providing outdoor learning for around half a day a fortnight. Early years facilities in Scotland are increasing their outdoor learning and play provision, and it is no coincidence that early years’ staff have been getting more professional development in this area.” 

The findings come as a members’ bill guaranteeing a week of residential outdoor education for every Scottish pupil makes its way through the Scottish Parliament. Questions have been raised in Scottish Government about the affordability of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) bill, from staffing to transport costs. 

Professor Mannion provided evidence to the Parliamentary Committee: Education, Children and Young People on the proposed new bill. 

Earlier this year, the Scottish Council of Deans of Education launched a framework, led by the University of Stirling’s Professor Lizzie Rushton, to support student teachers to embed sustainability into their teaching. 

‘Outdoor environmental education: turning back to the environment at a time of climate and nature emergency’ is published in the journal Environmental Education Research. 

Funding for the associated research* came from NatureScot with partners Scottish Forestry, Historic Environment Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.