Learning Outside The Classroom Secondary School Ideas

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Learning Outside The Classroom Secondary School Ideas

A fresh approach to outdoor learning for Key Stage 3

As pupils progress into secondary school, their time spent outdoors often decreases significantly. Increased academic pressure, classroom-based study and digital distractions can all contribute to students becoming less engaged with the world around them. Yet, research and practical experience show that learning outside the classroom offers powerful benefits for concentration, wellbeing and retention of knowledge.

Introducing regular outdoor learning opportunities provides students with a refreshing change of environment, helping them reconnect with the school grounds and engage with subjects in new, meaningful ways. When supported by practical infrastructure, such as a durable all-weather school canopy or shelter, outdoor learning can continue throughout the entire academic year, regardless of the weather.

Below are a selection of updated outdoor lesson ideas for Key Stage 3, all suitable for secondary schools looking to maximise their outdoor space.

Key Stage 3 Outdoor Lesson Ideas

Geography

Geography naturally lends itself to outdoor exploration. Students can study cloud formations, microclimates, weather patterns, soil types, and local biodiversity directly within the school grounds.
Activities may include:

Recording temperature, wind speed and rainfall using weather instruments
Identifying cloud types and discussing atmospheric conditions
Mapping natural features or human influences around the site

These hands-on experiences make key concepts far easier to understand than through textbooks alone.

Maths

Outdoor mathematics encourages students to see numbers and patterns in the world around them. Tasks might include:

Conducting surveys (e.g., number of birds, cars, colours, or sounds heard within a set time)
Measuring distances, angles or heights using applied techniques
Gathering data for statistical analysis back inside the classroom

These activities help students link mathematical thinking to real-life application.

Science

Outdoor environments provide a living laboratory for Key Stage 3 science. Ideal activities include:

Studying local ecosystems, such as ponds, wildflower areas or hedgerows
Observing food chains, life cycles and seasonal change
Running large-scale physics experiments that need more space, such as exploring forces, motion or aerodynamics
Demonstrating renewable energy concepts by observing wind and solar conditions

Where schools have outdoor shelters or canopies, these lessons can continue uninterrupted throughout the year.

English

Although not traditionally associated with outdoor learning, English can thrive outside the classroom.
Students can:

Write descriptive pieces inspired by their surroundings
Create poetry based on weather, movement, sound or landscape
Practise public speaking or performance tasks in a more relaxed outdoor setting

Being outdoors often stimulates creativity and helps students connect emotionally to their writing.

Art

Outdoor art lessons provide endless opportunities for observational drawing, landscape painting and exploring natural shapes, colours and textures.
Students can experiment with:

Capturing movement (e.g., drifting clouds or passing wildlife)
Creating artwork that reflects changes in light or weather
Using natural materials for texture and pattern

Working outdoors encourages students to develop confidence and spontaneity in their artistic expression.

Other Subjects & Activities

Many additional subjects can benefit from outdoor delivery:

Drama – rehearsals or performances take on a new dynamic outdoors
Music – outdoor acoustics create new opportunities for ensemble work
PSHE / Citizenship – outdoor discussion groups encourage calm, open conversation
Group work and role play – extra space fosters creativity and collaboration

Not Just for Lessons

The school grounds are more than just a learning environment—they provide essential space for socialising, dining and wellbeing. Covered outdoor structures, such as Able Canopies’ range of all-weather canopies and shelters, allow students and staff to enjoy these spaces year-round. They support:

Outdoor dining
Quiet breakout zones
Reading or study areas
Calm spaces for mental wellbeing
Additional covered social space during busy lunch periods

Creating high-quality sheltered areas can transform the school environment and significantly improve the day-to-day experience for students and staff.

To explore Able Canopies’ full range of canopies and shelters designed for secondary schools, download our brochure today.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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