Outdoor Learning

With such an abundance of countryside to explore, you will not be surprised to read that we have a strong emphasis on outdoor learning! With 65 acres of school grounds in the Hampshire - Berkshire countryside, we make the most of our playing fields, woodland and Kitchen Garden to support our curriculum and encourage the culture of an outdoor childhood.

We can all benefit from time spent outside and research has shown the importance of nature to the human mind and body.  So, to enrich the children’s learning and improve their motivation, self-esteem and problem-solving, we use our spacious grounds to provide learning opportunities.

Wild Child

For children in the Lower School, we have created the Horris Hill Wild Child Charter.  The charter sets out what we believe are the key experiences of a natural childhood. We believe our Lower School children should have had all these experiences before they move into the Upper School at Year 4.  These Outdoor Education sessions are all year round and include activities such as building dens, toasting marshmallows over camp fires and exploring our woodland (also affectionately known as "Spain" as it is shaped like the country Spain when seen from an aerial view – so, if your child comes home saying they spent the day in Spain, they are telling the truth!)

Kitchen Garden

We have a kitchen garden, where children enjoy growing their own fruit, vegetables and flowers. Adjacent to the kitchen garden is an orchard with the most delicious apples! 

Quite simply, it is our intention that every child develops a real passion and understanding of our plot-to-plate ethos through an active, hands-on experience.

We wish for every pupil to sow, tend, harvest and eat crops from our school kitchen garden and develop an understanding of the importance of positive food culture and a healthy lifestyle. 

Find out more about our outdoor learning at an open event, or a personal tour!