Outdoor Education

Connecting with nature, building confidence, and opening doors to the future

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Outdoor Education at Notton House Academy

At Notton House Academy, Outdoor Education is far more than a subject—it's a transformative journey. Designed especially for our students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), our programme is centred around the John Muir Award, and expands into a rich curriculum of adventure, skill-building, and personal growth.

Our Philosophy: Learning Through Wild Spaces

We believe that wild places offer something no classroom can: space to breathe, explore, and grow. Whether it's a quiet woodland, a windswept lake, or a rugged climbing wall, these environments help pupils:

• Reduce anxiety and regulate emotions

• Build confidence and independence

• Develop environmental responsibility

• Experience success through hands-on achievement

Our approach reflects the school’s core values of Safety, Kindness, and Respect, creating supportive outdoor learning environments where pupils feel secure and empowered.

The John Muir Award: A Foundation of Environmental Learning

The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places. It encourages pupils to:

• Discover a wild place and connect with its natural features

• Explore its ecology, seasons, and wildness

• Conserve it through practical action and stewardship

• Share their experiences and inspire others

Our teaching is inclusive, trauma-informed, and differentiated to meet individual needs. Pupils build portfolios, reflect on their learning, and celebrate achievements at their own pace. The Award helps develop:

• Environmental awareness and conservation skills

• Confidence in outdoor environments

• Leadership and teamwork abilities

• Pathways to further education and employment

Paddle Sports at Lake 32

We regularly visit Lake 32, where pupils take part in:

• Stand-up paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Canoeing

These activities lead to nationally recognised qualifications:

• Paddle Start

• Paddle Discover

• Paddle Explore

Each level builds water confidence, technical skill, and teamwork—valuable for both personal development and future careers in the outdoor sector.

Bushcraft & Wild Warrior Award

Our bush craft sessions follow the Wild Warrior Award scheme, offering practical skills such as:

• Fire-lighting and cooking on an open fire

• Shelter building and camp craft

• Making bird feeders and chopping wood

These experiences foster resilience, patience, and self-reliance, while deepening pupils’ connection to nature.

Climbing at The Arc

At The Arc Climbing Centre in Chippenham, pupils can:

• Boulder

• Clip and climb

• Top rope climb

• Learn to belay

Some pupils achieve NICAS Level 3, a qualification equivalent to GCSE. This boosts self-esteem and strengthens college applications—especially for those interested in climbing instruction or outdoor leadership.

Duke of Edinburgh Award & Expedition Skills

We proudly offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which includes:

• Expedition planning and execution

• Map reading and navigation

• Teamwork and leadership development

This nationally recognised award is a powerful tool for personal growth and is highly regarded by colleges and employers.

Mountain Biking & Navigation

Pupils also take part in:

• Off-road mountain biking

• Map work and orienteering

These activities promote physical fitness, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking—skills that transfer well into everyday life and future employment.

Skills for Life, Qualifications for the Future

Every strand of our Outdoor Education programme is designed to:

• Build confidence, resilience, and self-belief

• Offer accredited qualifications that enhance CVs and college applications

• Develop practical skills that are highly valued in the outdoor and adventure industries

Whether pupils are lighting a fire, paddling across a lake, or scaling a climbing wall, they are gaining more than just experience—they are building a portfolio of achievements that can lead to:

• Further education in outdoor and environmental studies

• Apprenticeships in conservation, land management, or outdoor recreation

• Employment in adventure tourism, outdoor education, or environmental stewardship

Outdoor Education at Notton House Academy is not just about learning outside the classroom—it’s about preparing pupils for life, work, and wellbeing.