Located in the lower part of the school grounds, Cordwalles has a unique forest and natural outdoor area, our “Environmental Classroom”. There is a classroom building where lessons take place, and the wider forest area is used as context for the lessons, which are integrated into the natural outdoor setting. Although it provides shelter and is a wonderful space for lessons, it has minimal impact on the natural environment.
The Environment Classroom area is also home to a small natural wetland area and river frontage. Every year, we expand the surrounding indigenous forest by planting indigenous trees on Arbour Day. There is so much to learn from this variety of ecosystems in our school environment!
In this special natural setting, boys are able to experience new ways of learning. By immersing themselves in this outdoor space, their individual commitment to care for the natural world deepens, and their absorbent young minds delight in being in this outdoor environment.
“Learning by doing” is the natural way for children to learn new skills. It enables them to internalise and grasp new concepts while interacting with each other in a hands-on learning situation. The Environmental Classroom and surrounding area create the space for these vital experiential learning opportunities.
The outdoor area lends itself to specific skill-based activities, as well as the freedom to explore, be adventurous and take risks within a natural environment! The opportunities for creative and imaginative experiences are endless, and we’ve seen our boys thrive on the excitement of being outdoors in nature.
While there is a focus on environmental concerns and issues, other aspects of the learning areas covered include: emergency scene management and basic first aid, knots and lashings, map reading, fire safety and fire lighting, outdoor cooking, stalking skills and navigation. Boys also explore growing food and living in a regenerative and sustainable way.
Grade RRR-7 boys have regular lessons down at the Environmental Classroom.
- Gr RRR & RR boys:
- 2 or 3 x 1-hour lessons per term
- Full morning every semester
- Gr R boys:
- 6 x 1-hour lessons per term
- Full morning every semester
- Gr 1-3 boys:
- 1.5 hours every 3 weeks
- Full morning every term
- Gr 4-7 boys:
- 1 hour every 2 weeks
- Full morning every term
Grade RR to Grade 3 boys have the opportunity to join in with group outdoor sessions by arrangement with Sam Hubble. Senior Primary boys are allowed to access the forest in groups during their non-sport afternoons.
Boarders who stay in over the weekends love exploring and enjoy being in the forest area. They also sometimes have fun and much-loved camp-overs in the Environmental Classroom. The Environmental Classroom area is the perfect mountain biking venue and home to a section of the Cordwalles cross-country course.
We’ve also held some exciting and successful Orienteering events, which are fantastic opportunities for the greater Cordwalles community to discover and explore this beautiful part of the school.
“Every child has the right to an adventure.”
Bear Grylls
“Every child has the right to an adventure.”
Bear Grylls