Enhance learning

Multi-sensory experiences are crucial for deepening understanding and improving retention. Picture yourself actively participating in an archaeological dig rather than passively watching a YouTube video or imagine embarking on the “Unexpected Journey” with Bilbo from The Hobbit outdoors rather than just reading about it. By incorporating unstructured play and exploration in natural settings, we create opportunities for problem-solving and self-confidence that structured classroom learning cannot provide.

Foster Critical Thinking Skills

An inquiry-based approach to learning in nature encourages children to think independently and develop their analytical skills. Instead of merely memorizing facts, students engage in hands-on exploration, asking questions and making observations to form their own conclusions. Whether they are investigating the natural world or charting a course through the woods, children become scientists and researchers in their own right, with nature serving as the perfect laboratory.

Value the Whole Child

Outdoor education nurtures the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development of students. As children are allowed to explore and engage with natural settings, they practice collaboration and social skills while escaping the sometimes-intimidating academic pressures, social expectations and sensory distractions often found in traditional classrooms.

By moving the learning experience outdoors, students are given the freedom to discover and learn at their own pace, which can lead to a deeper and more personal connection with the material. Additionally, the focus shifts from merely meeting academic goals to fostering a wider, more integrated sense of growth, purpose, and connection to the world. This connection can be particularly meaningful in understanding their place in a broader spiritual context for them to explore their place in God’s created world.

Cambridge School is a classical, Christ-centered community of learners inspiring the hearts and minds of students. We believe wonder and imagination are fundamental to the educational process, and nature has the capacity to draw these out in children better than any textbook ever could.

Our integral, unit-based approach to learning means students go deep into subject matter rather than learning broad facts. We foster an environment that naturally accommodates the unique perspective and learning style of each student using a multi-sensory approach ranging from direct instruction and seminar discussions to hands-on experiences. This not only enables each student to interact meaningfully with the content, but also enables the unique intelligence of each student to be strengthened and developed.