Wealden Times | WT265 | June 2024 | Education Supplement inside

sponsors The Priceless Education Supplement
Outside the Box
We hear from two schools about how outdoor
life is enhancing education
Future
Leaders
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School
explain how they foster resilience and growth
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world,
where adaptability and fortitude reign
supreme, the quest for exceptional leadership
and resilience has never been more crucial. Parents,
recognising the paramount importance of these
attributes, seek schools which actively cultivate
these qualities in their students.
Enter The Duke of York’s Royal Military
School, a champion of exceptional learning where
leadership and resilience aren’t just theoretical
concepts but lived realities. Fondly referred to as
Dukies, students here are not only educated but
nurtured to excel, armed with the essential tools
and mindset to emerge as the leaders of tomorrow.
The crucible of this transformative journey lies in
the acknowledgment that leadership and resilience
is honed through hands-on experience.
The Great
Outdoors
Joff Powis, Head of Vinehall Schoo,l explains
the benefits of Outdoor Learning
In the realm of education, the allure of the
great outdoors is often overshadowed by the
structured confines of traditional classroom
settings. However, the paradigm is shifting, and
prep schools are increasingly recognising the
invaluable benefits of incorporating outdoor
learning into their curriculum. At Vinehall we
are embracing this and witnessing first-hand
the positive impact this is having on our school
community. Our vision is to create a dedicated
outdoor classroom deep within our exceptional
grounds through which we will unlock
numerous benefits for the children, empowering
them with skills and knowledge that extend far
beyond traditional classroom settings.
Through outdoor exploration and firsthand
observation, pupils cultivate a grasp of subjects
like geography and biology, sparking a
fervour for learning that transcends the school
environment. Nature serves as an expansive
and varied classroom, teeming with chances for
creative expression and experiential learning.
Exposure to natural environments on a regular
basis has been associated with decreased
stress levels, improved mental wellbeing, and
enhanced focus and concentration. Stepping
beyond the walls of the customary classroom
allows children to breathe in fresh air, absorb
vitamin D from sunlight, and enjoy the
therapeutic effects of nature. An outdoor
learning classroom reflects Vinehall’s dedication
to nurturing the holistic development of pupils
by prioritising their physical and mental health.
We hope to instil in our pupils a lifelong
commitment to maintaining a healthy approach
to learning and life.
Beyond its academic and physical benefits,
outdoor learning cultivates a profound sense of
environmental stewardship and appreciation for
the natural world. An outdoor classroom will
provide a unique platform to educate children
about sustainability, habitats, climate change,
and the importance of preserving our natural
areas.
The benefits of outdoor learning are farreaching.
By integrating outdoor experiences
into the curriculum, schools can empower
pupils to become curious, resilient, and
environmentally conscious individuals who are
prepared to tackle the challenges of the 21st
century. vinehallschool.com
Here, adventure is a vehicle for personal
growth and character development. Through
meticulously curated adventure training, the Duke
of Edinburgh’s Award, and Combined Cadet
Force trips, students are thrust into challenging
environments where they must navigate obstacles,
overcome adversity, and collaborate with their
peers under pressure. Whether it’s scaling rugged
peaks, braving the elements, or an exhilarating
abseil down a 150ft viaduct, these expeditions
instil the invaluable traits of resilience, adaptability,
and resourcefulness. Overseas expeditions see
Dukies exploring and taking part in volunteer
programmes, such as building schools for
underprivileged children. They learn the
importance of clear communication, strategic
planning, and decisive action.
Students not only benefit from an all-round
education but also state-of-the-art facilities,
outstanding pastoral support, and unparalleled
opportunities for personal and academic growth.
The ethos of full boarding fosters maturity and
independence; nurturing individuals who are
academically and socially adept, culturally aware,
and emotionally resilient. It equips students with
the skills and mindset required for leadership
and fosters the unconquerable spirit to confront
life’s challenges head-on, and ready to lead with
distinction in an ever-changing world.
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