The Educator Magazine U.K. Sept-Dec 2026 issue - Magazine - Page 46
5
ways outdoor learning helps
deliver enrichment
Jo Harris, Education Manager at Field Studies Council, discusses how residential
trips in the outdoors are ideally placed to deliver the new Enrichment Framework.
The Department for Education’s new Enrichment
Framework provides schools with a clear vision of
what high-quality enrichment should look like. It
also sends a strong message: enrichment should
be an essential part of every young person’s
education, not an optional extra.
Discover 昀椀ve ways that outdoor learning and
residential experiences are uniquely placed to
support meaningful enrichment:
1 Bringing learning to life
3Strengthening relationships & belonging
A sense of belonging is a key theme within the
framework, and residential experiences can have a
powerful impact on social development.
Living, learning and taking part in activities
together helps pupils form new friendships,
strengthen existing relationships and develop
teamwork skills. Shared experiences can also reveal
strengths and talents not always seen in class.
Outdoor learning helps students connect
classroom knowledge with real-world experiences.
From investigating ecosystems to exploring
sustainability, young people gain a deeper
understanding of subjects through hands-on
learning.
These memorable experiences not only support
curriculum outcomes but also encourage curiosity
and engagement.
confidence, resilience &
2Building
independence
4Making enrichment more inclusive
The framework highlights the importance of
personal development, and outdoor learning
provides opportunities for young people to
challenge themselves in new environments.
The framework encourages schools to ensure
enrichment opportunities are accessible to all
learners, including those with additional needs and
those facing barriers to participation.
From trying unfamiliar activities to spending time
away from home, students develop con昀椀dence,
resilience and independence. These experiences
help foster the self-belief and adaptability needed
both in school and throughout life.
Well-designed residential programmes can be
adapted to support a wide range of needs,
enabling more young people to bene昀椀t from
high-quality outdoor learning experiences. For
many pupils, these opportunities can be genuinely
life-changing.
5Delivering multiple benefits at once
Perhaps the greatest strength of outdoor
residentials is their ability to support multiple areas
of development through a single experience.
They can enrich curriculum learning, promote
environmental understanding, improve wellbeing,
strengthen social connections and support
personal growth. Together, these outcomes make
outdoor residentials a powerful way to bring the
Enrichment Framework to life.
www.昀椀eld-studies-council.org • 01743 852100 • enquiries@昀椀eld-studies-council.org
