Children learning outside the classroom

Why it matters and how to make it work

Learning doesn’t have to stay inside four walls. Some of the most powerful, memorable teaching moments happen outdoors — and as a trainee teacher, now’s the time to explore how to make that happen.

Whether it’s a nature walk, a museum visit, or simply taking a lesson outside, learning outside the classroom (LOtC) is more than a nice-to-have. It’s a teaching tool that can boost engagement, deepen understanding, and support wellbeing.

What is learning outside the classroom?

LOtC isn’t a separate subject — it’s about creating the right conditions for students to learn actively, and sometimes that means stepping outside. As Elaine Skates puts it (in the Foreword of the new edition of Children Learning Outside the Classroom), it’s “a tool for teaching and learning"

This tool can be use across all subject areas and all age groups to improve engagement and fun; to speed up progress by breaking down barriers between staff and pupils and show how classroom teaching can be applied in the real world; to transform the culture of a school and drive improvement; or to improve young people’s cultural and environmental awareness.

Why should teachers make time for learning outside the classroom?

Teachers often have a demanding schedule, but LOtC is easy to put into practice. This tool can be use across all subject areas and all age groups to improve engagement and fun; to speed up progress by breaking down barriers between staff and pupils and show how classroom teaching can be applied in the real world; to transform the culture of a school and drive improvement; or to improve young people’s cultural and environmental awareness.