This is a great idea.
The UK’s first outdoor primary school has just opened its doors in London.
Liberty Woodland School, which was inspired by Scandinavian schools, will teach children through play based learning and exploring nature.
The new school which launched last week will see children spend 95 per cent of their days outside, even in the winter.
Play based learning and spending time outdoors has been proven to be beneficial to the learning process of young children.
My two children both love being outdoors as much as possible so I really wish that something like this was more widespread in Ireland.
Students at the outdoor school will start their days by the campfire before exploring nature and taking part in activities including art, music and woodwork.
The only downside that I can see to this new way of teaching is the cost.
Parents planning to send their child to Liberty Woodland School will have to part with £3,995 (€4435) per term.
Perhaps though if this school takes off the government will begin to invest in public school versions with the same outdoor learning ethos making them more widely available to all families.
I would really love to see more outdoor activities being implemented into how our children are taught here in Ireland and think we could really take some notes from the Scandinavian style ourselves.
