The latest instalment in our thought leadership series centred around Outdoor Learning, is shared by Pat Milston, Managing Director at Cognita’s Active Learning Group (ALG).

Holistic education aims to develop a student’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and ethical capacities. Cognita is unique among global school groups in its ownership of Active Learning Group (ALG), dedicated to providing transformational learning experiences that enable students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. An ALG outdoor learning residential experience can contribute significantly to meeting Cognita’s holistic education goals in several ways:

  1. Experiential Learning:

Outdoor learning experiences provide hands-on, real-world opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts. This aligns with Cognita’s emphasis on experiential learning, allowing students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students could be learning to create fire, or tackling complex problem-solving activities that require leadership and teamwork skills.

  1. Physical Development:

Engaging in outdoor activities promotes physical well-being and helps students develop their motor skills, coordination, and overall physical fitness. These experiences contribute to Cognita’s goal of nurturing the physical aspect of a student’s development. Whether coasteering at Sealyham, or gorge-walking at the Towers, students will engage with a whole new set of physical skills,

  1. Social and Emotional Growth:

Group outdoor experiences encourage collaboration, communication, and teamwork among students. They learn to work together, share responsibilities, and manage conflicts. Such interactions foster the development of social skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience, aligning with Cognita’s focus on emotional and social growth. Camping in the woods on one of the fantastic Bushcraft Company estates creates a real team bond that will have tangible benefits on return to school.

  1. Environmental Awareness and Ethical Values:

ALG outdoor learning experiences take place in natural environments, from woods to coasts to mountains, allowing students to develop an appreciation for nature and a sense of environmental responsibility. Learning about ecosystems, sustainability, and ethical considerations ties into Cognita’s goal of instilling ethical values and global citizenship. Our trips allow students to experience the impact man has on the environment and how we can manage finite resources for the benefit of future generations.

  1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

Outdoor learning often presents challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether it’s navigating through unfamiliar terrain or planning activities, students must think creatively to overcome obstacles, promoting intellectual development aligned with Cognita’s holistic approach.

  1. Self-Confidence and Independence:

Overcoming outdoor challenges and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can boost self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. These experiences help students develop a stronger sense of self and independence, aligning with Cognita’s goal of nurturing personal development.

  1. Reflection and Growth Mindset:

Outdoor experiences often provide moments for reflection and self-assessment. Students can reflect on their experiences, successes, and areas for improvement, fostering a growth mindset and the habit of continuous learning. Whether gathering round the campfire at the end of the day or celebrating a successful ascent of a mountain in Snowdonia, we help students to recognise their achievements and build for future success.

  1. Interdisciplinary Learning:

Outdoor experiences naturally integrate various subjects like biology, geography, history, and more. This interdisciplinary approach supports Cognita’s goal of a well-rounded education that goes beyond siloed subject areas.

  1. Cultural Awareness and Adaptability:

If the outdoor experience involves interacting with different cultures or environments, for example on the combined Cognita expedition to Borneo, students can develop cultural awareness and adaptability skills. This aligns with Cognita’s emphasis on preparing students for a globally interconnected world.

Incorporating an ALG outdoor learning residential experience aligns well with Cognita’s holistic education goals by fostering personal, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in an integrated manner. It offers a unique and enriching avenue for students to develop into well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to their communities and the world at large.

 

In addition to multi-activity and Bushcraft courses, Cognita is also in the unique position of being able to offer a range of tailored courses covering aspects of curriculum support and students / staff development:

Curriculum Support – Geography fieldtrips, other subject residentials ie Art in Nature, History.

Student Leadership – Prefect Training Courses, Students Council courses.

Revision Weeks & Preparation for Moving Schools– stimulate learning in a new environment and preparing students for the next stage in their learning career.

Staff Development – INSET venue, Management Training. Staff retreats.

 

Details of the ALG brands and venues offering outdoor learning experiences can be found below:

Active Learning Centres – a new standard for outdoor learning

From woods to coast to mountains, Active Learning Centres are dedicated to helping young people develop essential skills and character, and to promote wellbeing through outdoor learning.

Three stunning centres, three contrasting environments, Active Learning Centres comprises:

Cuffley: Over 100 acres of beautiful woodland wilderness, easily accessible from London. Based in Hertfordshire, the picturesque woodland setting of Cuffley promotes development and growth through engaging outdoor activities. With the option of staying in a Pod Village or camping in Bell Tents, groups blend into the trees in their own exclusive camp with no crowds or queues.

Sealyham: Opening in Summer 2024, Sealyham is a magnificent coastal centre, delivering unique outdoor adventures. Based in Pembrokeshire, Sealyham is an outdoor paradise, encouraging confidence and personal development through a comprehensive range of coastal-based and inland activities. Premium accommodation, expert staff, and high quality locally sourced food, create remarkable learning experiences.

The Towers: An exceptional mountain-based centre, providing highly tailored learning experiences. Situated in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, The Towers Active Learning Centre delivers an exemplary standard of outdoor activities and instruction. The outstanding high-quality accommodation provide a modern and comfortable base that teachers and students adore.

The Bushcraft Company – residential school trips in the great outdoors

Not everything can be taught in a classroom. We believe that some of the most important life skills are best learned outside. Get back to basics on our residential Bushcraft school trips and give your students the chance to grow.

Arriving at one of our safari-style tented camps, students will become fully enveloped in the wilderness, sleeping under the stars, and cooking over open fires. Away from screens and technology, our activities encourage team building and give students the chance to develop new skills and interact with their peers in a fun, creative environment.  Whether they are learning first-aid techniques, building shelters or tackling a SOS scenario, our outdoor adventures are as real as you can get.

Our adventures take place at several spectacular woodland sites across the UK. Away from their screens and technology our camps provide the perfect setting for students to totally immerse themselves in the natural world, a place for fun, freedom, and adventure!

Badminton Woods, Gloucestershire.  Badminton Woods give the perfect opportunity to explore and to get deep into nature. Home to huge ancient beeches, evergreens, and ash this wonderfully varied and vast woodland plays host to our residential Bushcraft Camps.

Blenheim Woods: Found in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Blenheim Woods are adorned with beauty and heritage. These historical woodlands are the perfect place to escape school life and experience the real English outdoors.

Boughton Woods: Set within the old royal hunting forest of Rockingham, Boughton Woods offer large areas of ancient woodland where pupils will become fully immersed in the natural world.

Castle Howard: Nestled beneath the Howardian hills, Castle Howard is surrounded by beautiful lakes and landscapes and graced with 2,100 acres of private woodland.

Penshurst Place: A stunning private estate boasting acres of woodland, seven miles of the Rivers Medway and Eden, and several lakes, making it a perfect location for a Bushcraft Camp.