Outdoor Learning

Copy of Copy of Rhys took on an epic outdoor adventure! At Ysgol Antur Cwm, we believe in

At Ysgol Antur Cwm, outdoor learning is not a bolt-on, it’s a core part of how we teach, support, and inspire our learners. For boys who struggle in traditional settings, the outdoors offers space, freedom, and calm.

Every week, our pupils engage in outdoor education across the Swansea Valley: forests, trails, rivers, and mountain paths. These experiences aren't just physical; they build emotional resilience, problem-solving, leadership, and trust.

What Outdoor Learning Looks Like

Navigation & Survival Skills

Orienteering, map reading, and compass work
Shelter building, fire safety, and bushcraft

Adventure & Movement

Mountain biking and trail riding
Low-level climbing and confidence courses
River walks, hill treks, and team navigation challenges

Environmental & Nature-Based Learning

Woodland conservation and sustainability projects
Identifying flora and fauna
Seasonal learning and weather tracking

Emotional Development Outdoors

Regulated routines with breathing/grounding techniques
Trust-building through team tasks
Reflection journaling or photography sessions

Why It Matters

For our learners, the outdoors is often the first place they feel successful.

Reduces anxiety and sensory overload
Builds routine through physical activity and fresh air
Supports ADHD regulation through movement and hands-on tasks
Encourages social skills and emotional expression
Makes learning real and relevant

Linked to Learning

Outdoor learning is fully embedded in our curriculum and used across all areas of learning. It gives pupils meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen understanding and build real-world skills.

We use the outdoors to support:

Language, Literacy and Communication

Storytelling, descriptive writing, recounts, and instructional texts — inspired by real adventures.

Mathematics and Numeracy

Measuring, timing, angles, problem-solving and estimating distances — all through practical tasks and physical movement.

Science and Technology

Exploring forces, materials, ecosystems and sustainability — through observation, experimentation and fieldwork.

Humanities

Connecting to local history, land use, weather patterns, habitats and sense of place — rooted in Welsh culture and identity.

Health and Well-being

Building confidence, resilience, self-awareness and emotional regulation through team challenges and active exploration.

Expressive Arts

Using natural materials, sound, movement and photography to create expressive work drawn directly from the outdoor environment.