The Importance of Outdoor Learning at Marsh Gibbon School
Our Outdoor Learning and Spiritual Journey at Marsh Gibbon School
As a church school, we embrace the spiritual side of life and learning. We see this as a personal journey for children, parents, and staff. Our daily life and learning are guided by this belief—encouraging curiosity, asking meaningful questions, and living out our school values of love, friendship, compassion, honesty, forgiveness, and respect.
Our school vision is "Succeeding together — fostering a love of learning within a nurturing Christian community, to bring out ‘the best in everyone’."
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor learning is essential for all children, not just in the Early Years. It promotes healthy physical and emotional development, encourages exploration, and inspires children to take on new challenges and risks. Moving, climbing, exploring, and investigating outdoors helps children grow stronger, more confident, and more curious about the world around them—all within a caring and respectful environment that reflects our school values.
Forest School and Spiritual Growth
Forest School offers a unique opportunity for children to connect with nature in a meaningful, child-led way. It nurtures confidence, creativity, and social skills, while fostering respect for the environment and others.
During Forest School sessions, children use the concept of windows, mirrors, and doors:
Our Spiritual Journey
Outdoor learning is a pathway to spiritual growth. It allows children to experience the wonder of creation, practice mindfulness, and reflect on their role in caring for others and the planet. It instills values of honesty, forgiveness, and respect as children learn to appreciate and protect the natural world. These experiences deepen their sense of gratitude, compassion, and community—building a foundation for living out our school values every day.
What Happens at Forest School
Sessions are held at our woodland location at the end of the village. Children explore, investigate, and reflect in a safe, natural environment. The routine includes group discussions, hands-on activities, and reflection time, helping children develop a meaningful connection with nature and their inner selves—embodying our values of friendship, respect, and love.
Our Commitment
Outdoor learning at Marsh Gibbon School is central to nurturing children’s spiritual, moral, and social development. It encourages them to ask questions, respect the world and each other, and grow in confidence and kindness. Through these experiences, children learn to live out our values—building a lifelong love of learning rooted in Christian principles and respect for creation.
As a church school, we embrace the spiritual side of life and learning. We see this as a personal journey for children, parents, and staff. Our daily life and learning are guided by this belief—encouraging curiosity, asking meaningful questions, and living out our school values of love, friendship, compassion, honesty, forgiveness, and respect.
Our school vision is "Succeeding together — fostering a love of learning within a nurturing Christian community, to bring out ‘the best in everyone’."
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor learning is essential for all children, not just in the Early Years. It promotes healthy physical and emotional development, encourages exploration, and inspires children to take on new challenges and risks. Moving, climbing, exploring, and investigating outdoors helps children grow stronger, more confident, and more curious about the world around them—all within a caring and respectful environment that reflects our school values.
Forest School and Spiritual Growth
Forest School offers a unique opportunity for children to connect with nature in a meaningful, child-led way. It nurtures confidence, creativity, and social skills, while fostering respect for the environment and others.
During Forest School sessions, children use the concept of windows, mirrors, and doors:
- Mirrors help children see their own feelings, beliefs, and experiences reflected in their interactions with nature.
- Windows open their understanding to different perspectives—learning about the environment, animals, and other people's ways of life.
- Doors invite children to explore new ideas, take risks, and develop a sense of awe and wonder about the natural world.
Our Spiritual Journey
Outdoor learning is a pathway to spiritual growth. It allows children to experience the wonder of creation, practice mindfulness, and reflect on their role in caring for others and the planet. It instills values of honesty, forgiveness, and respect as children learn to appreciate and protect the natural world. These experiences deepen their sense of gratitude, compassion, and community—building a foundation for living out our school values every day.
What Happens at Forest School
Sessions are held at our woodland location at the end of the village. Children explore, investigate, and reflect in a safe, natural environment. The routine includes group discussions, hands-on activities, and reflection time, helping children develop a meaningful connection with nature and their inner selves—embodying our values of friendship, respect, and love.
Our Commitment
Outdoor learning at Marsh Gibbon School is central to nurturing children’s spiritual, moral, and social development. It encourages them to ask questions, respect the world and each other, and grow in confidence and kindness. Through these experiences, children learn to live out our values—building a lifelong love of learning rooted in Christian principles and respect for creation.
