Outdoor Learning
Our recently appointed Head of Outdoor Learning reflects on how pupils have connected with nature this year.
The new role focuses on expanding opportunities for our pupils to develop new skills beyond the classroom, enabling them to foster a sense of resilience, independence, and adventure. Outdoor learning begins in the Junior School, with regular trips to Hampstead Heath for exploratory, collaborative outdoor activities, from pond dipping to nature-based art.
In the Senior School, during Activities Week this year, Year 8 enjoyed a bushcraft day, making fire using flint and steel, building shelters and setting up water filtration devices. Pupils have also gone litter picking in the neighbourhood and helped with weed clearing on Hampstead Heath. As well as embracing eco adventures on the Pembrokeshire coast, pupils have the chance to go on expeditions to more far-flung destinations. Year 8 and 9 are about to set off to Norway, trekking in the Jotunheimen National Park, whilst Sixth Formers have an adventure in Borneo to look forward to next summer.
A key element of outdoor learning is the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, which is well-established at South Hampstead; the vast majority of girls undertake the Bronze award and many complete their Silver and Gold awards each year. This term, over 160 pupils took part in expeditions, navigating the countryside in every weather; below are some reflections from our Year 9 Bronze participants:
The day started with pouring rain, but we saw many beautiful things: vintage phone boxes, flocks of sheep and even a bunny. We passed some other groups walking along our route who’d got lost and helped them. Overall, it was fun and not too tiring. – Amalia
We walked for what felt like hours down a winding road, singing our hearts out and talking to the sheep. We did get a bit lost and proceeded to crawl in and out of a bush about 4 times because we thought that it was the gate. When we finally reached the campsite, we let out a sigh of relief. – Marsha
Putting up the tent was quite difficult as the pegs wouldn’t go in. We were all very hungry after our long day so cooked pasta with an overload of cheese and ate straight from the bowl. We tucked into our sleeping bags like maggots, exhausted. – Victoria
We woke up at around 6.30am and had yummy pastries and cereal, disassembled our tent and set off at with good momentum and pace. Surrounded by open fields, the route was very pretty to look at and we enjoyed the fresh air. – Anna
Determined to get back home as soon as possible, and fuelled by our lavish lunch, we set off at a good pace, wowed by all the natural beauty. We stopped to take photos with some horses before reaching a massive hill. With a bit of perseverance, we powered through and, at the top, we could see the station and the final stretch to the finish line. – Alina
The expedition taught us many life skills and has brought us closer. We learnt how to pitch a tent, cook using a Trangia, and improve our navigation skills. But, most importantly, we have developed independence. We are looking forward to Silver DofE! – Georgia