In a world buzzing with screens and a constant stream of information, it's easy to forget the power of getting our hands dirty and connecting with the natural world. But what if that connection wasn't just fun, but actually made what students learn in school stick better? That's where Woodland Ways School Experiences come in, a way to weave bushcraft skills into the National Curriculum, making learning an adventure rather than a chore.
Think about it – building a shelter isn't just about making a cool fort; it involves problem-solving, understanding materials, and even a bit of maths. Telling stories around a crackling fire brings English lessons to life. And identifying plants and tracking animals turns science into a real-world exploration. Woodland Ways gets this, and we have designed our courses – from 24-hour family survival to immersive experiences and special school trips – to tap into this kind of hands-on learning.
We work closely with schools to create bespoke adventures that are not only a blast but also genuinely relevant to what students are learning in the classroom, no matter their age. The goal? To have students leave the woods not just tired and muddy (though that's part of the fun!), but truly inspired because they've seen their school subjects come alive in the great outdoors.
Don't just take my word for it. Parents rave about family courses that go way beyond a simple nature walk, creating lasting memories and teaching real skills. Teachers are buzzing too, reporting students returning to school full of enthusiasm and actually remembering what they learned. They highlight how well-organized and professionally delivered the sessions are, with instructors who really understand how to work with children of all ages:
"We've just returned from an incredible 24-hour Woodland Ways family course with our 10-year-old son — and we’re still glowing with gratitude. It was far more than a nature day: it was a chance to connect, learn new skills, and create lasting family memories. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any family seeking meaningful time outdoors." Mr & Mrs M.
"What can I say??? The children were buzzing when they got back to school.... full of their adventures in the woods and everything they had learnt. The staff have given very positive feedback about the day too. It was very well organised and delivered professionally; with such a wide age range to deal with too! The instructors were very sensitive to the children's needs. Thank you so much." Beachborough School.
But what exactly is bushcraft? It's more than just knowing how to light a fire. It's a whole way of learning that involves:
- Becoming aware of the environment and how to look after it. It's about understanding our place in nature and living sustainably.
- Developing practical skills and the ability to figure things out. It's about creating, adapting, and overcoming challenges using what's around you.
- Learning to work together and communicate effectively. Teamwork in the woods can teach you a lot about getting along with others.
- Gaining an understanding of how people lived in the past. Imagine learning Stone Age survival skills firsthand!
- Exploring science through direct experience. From the properties of fire to the wonders of plants and animals, nature is a living laboratory.
- Getting a real sense of place and how to navigate. Forget Google Maps for a while – learn how to find your way using the sun, stars, moon and the land itself.
All of this leads to students being more engaged, picking up essential life skills, feeling better in themselves, enriching their schoolwork, and developing a deeper connection to the world around them.
Let's look at how this works across different school ages:
For younger students (Key Stage 2), bushcraft sparks curiosity and makes learning tangible. English becomes storytelling under the trees, Maths is about measuring for shelters, Science is identifying creatures and understanding ecosystems, Design & Technology is actually building things, History leaps off the page when you're learning historic skills, and Geography becomes an adventure in navigation.
As students get older (Key Stage 3), the learning deepens. English might involve analysing environmental texts, Maths could be used to calculate ratios for building, Science delves into water filtration and animal tracking, Design & Technology involves more complex constructions, History looks at the impact of past technologies, and Geography explores the effects of climate change on local areas.
By the time they reach Key Stage 4, bushcraft really hones those crucial skills for the future. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis. Whether it's analysing data in science or historical interactions with the environment, bushcraft provides a unique backdrop for learning. And across all subjects, it helps develop communication, teamwork, independence, resilience, and even digital literacy (think about documenting your findings!).
Specifically, through bushcraft, students might:
- Identify different plants and understand how ecosystems work (Science).
- Learn about Stone Age tools and early human survival (History).
- Develop map reading and navigation skills (Geography).
- Build shelters and make useful items from natural materials (Design & Technology).
- Use measurement and estimation in practical tasks (Maths).
- Work as a team, communicate effectively, and build resilience (PSHE).
In conclusion, bushcraft offers an exciting, powerful and engaging way to deliver the National Curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us and developing essential skills for life. By embracing this approach, Woodland Ways can empower children to become confident, resilient, and environmentally responsible citizens. Are you thinking it would be great to get your children into the woods? Take a look at our Family 24-hour Survival, Family Immersion Courses or talk to your children’s school about bringing a class, year group or the whole school to experience an amazing, transformative experience in the woods.