Outdoor Learning

At The British School of Bali, we recognise that in many schools it is common for children’s learning to take place predominantly inside the classroom. Indoor environments provide structure, focus, and clear routines. However, we believe learning should not be limited to four walls.

Learning Beyond the Classroom & The Importance of Playing Outside

Outdoor play is essential for children’s physical, emotional, and social development, offering opportunities to run, climb, explore, and engage in imaginative play that supports wellbeing and physical growth.

We believe learning should also extend outdoors, where children can explore ideas in meaningful, real-world contexts. The natural environment encourages curiosity, movement, and flexible thinking, helping children engage more deeply with what they are learning.

Through hands-on experiences, children apply their understanding in practical situations. This strengthens independence, problem-solving, and the ability to respond to challenges in the moment.

Outdoor learning also promotes collaboration, as children share ideas, test approaches, and adapt their thinking together. These shared experiences help develop communication skills, resilience, and confidence, while also supporting the formation of friendships in a more open and active setting.

Communication, Teamwork and British Values

Outdoor learning strengthens communication and teamwork, particularly within a diverse international school community. Children from different nationalities and backgrounds learn to work together through shared experiences, where understanding is supported by action, context, and collaboration.

For EAL learners, this approach is especially powerful. Meaning is developed through doing, observing, and interacting, ensuring all children can access learning in an inclusive and meaningful way.

The outdoor environment also naturally develops resilience. Challenges arise when plans change, structures fall, or ideas need refining, encouraging children to adapt, persevere, and support one another.

Alongside this, it is a key setting for reinforcing British Values such as respect, responsibility, and cooperation. Through shared experiences, children practise turn-taking, sharing, and polite communication. These behaviours are embedded through real situations, helping pupils understand how to work fairly and respectfully within a group.

Our Belief

We believe learning should be active, engaging, and connected to the world around us. By taking learning beyond the classroom and into nature, we give children space to explore, create, communicate, and grow.

Through outdoor learning, children develop into confident, resilient, and respectful learners who can work together, support one another, and approach challenges with curiosity and confidence.