Education Degree Students Begin Outdoor Learning Journey at Walnut Tree Farm
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On Tuesday 29th April, students from Peter Symonds College’s BA (Hons) Early Years, Teaching & Learning, and SEND degree programs launched their ‘Learning in the Outdoor Environment’ module with an immersive visit to Walnut Tree Farm in Winchester.
The educational excursion marked the beginning of a new learning experience, challenging students to explore how natural farm settings can enhance educational outcomes in schools and nurseries. Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to consider their existing understanding of outdoor learning principles and how they could incorporate it into their future professional practice.
“This initial visit is designed to spark creative thinking about outdoor education before students have developed their theoretical understanding of the field,” explained tutor Susie James. “When they return on June 6th at the end of their module, they’ll be able to reflect on how their perspectives have evolved through taught input, academic research and classroom-based conversation.”
The comparative approach offers students a unique opportunity to witness their own professional development, bridging theory with practice in a tangible way. During their visit, students explored the farm’s learning environment and observed how natural settings can support developmental goals across various age groups and abilities.
Walnut Tree Farm specialises in animal-assisted activities and interventions, particularly for young people who benefit from animal interaction to improve mental and emotional well-being. The farm’s approach demonstrates how selected outdoor experiences can reduce stress and support emotional regulation in children.
“Watching vulnerable children develop meaningful connections with our animals is what makes this work so special” states Paula Baker, owner of Walnut Tree Farm. “Understanding how environments such as this can be therapeutic as well as educational is key to understanding the true benefits of learning in the outdoor environment.”
Students engaged with Paula to learn about the specific benefits different animals can provide and how spaces within the farm are designed to meet different educational and therapeutic objectives. They were encouraged to document their observations and initial ideas, which will form the foundation for the module, before their return in June, when they will apply their newly acquired theoretical knowledge to the same environment.
The ‘Learning in the Outdoor Environment’ module represents the growing recognition of outdoor learning’s importance in holistic child development.
Posted: 14 May 2025
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