KES Prep hosts Hampshire Outdoors’ : Outdoor Learning Conference
Held on the School’s scenic 22-acre site, the conference brought educators and organisations together to explore and expand outdoor learning opportunities.
The event was opened by Mr Silas Caie, Head of Outdoor Learning, across both of the King Edward VI Schools, who discussed how, as a School, they nurture growth within outdoor learning and their habitat management.
He shared how King Edward VI Preparatory School (KES Prep) integrates outdoor learning into its educational philosophy and involves its pupils in thoughtfully managing their outdoor spaces (no matter how big or small) to enhance learning and develop environmental stewardship. He outlined the key principles guiding the School’s approach and the logistics of managing these opportunities: balancing safety with exploration, optimising resources, and involving the entire school community in caring for the environment.
During the conference, a breadth of workshops were on offer run by a range of specialists, exploring topics such as exploring storytelling using outdoor space, the importance of hedgerows, encouraging reflective practice and how to map your school.
Delegates heard from the Wessex River Trust who discussed the importance of protecting chalk streams, author Yarrow Townsen who spoke birds, conservation and making the most of your outdoor space in the coldest months and the South Downs National Park team, who helped to explore ways of re-naturing school grounds.
Across King Edwards 2-18 provision, Mr Silas Caie has been focussing on unlocking the potential of their outdoor areas and facilities in Hampshire and Devon, whilst developing the Schools’ curricular and co-curricular outdoor learning opportunities. These have included experiences down on the school's farm with the vet and farrier, developing the school’s habitat potential in collaboration with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and new opportunities for challenge and discovery in the senior school.
"The more we work to unlock the natural potential of our grounds, the more we discover that every corner of our School is teaming with opportunities to learn ad discover,” says Mr Caie.
If you have any questions regarding King Edward VI School Outdoors Initiative, please contact Mr Caie at: sjcaie@kes-prep.school
Upcoming open events include the Sixth Form Open Afternoon on Thursday 5 December 2024 and the Preparatory School in Action Open Morning on Friday 7 February 2025.
