How Outdoor Learning Leads to Engaged Students in the Classroom

This week, our students and teachers are taking learning outdoors. November 3 is World Outdoor Classroom Day, celebrated across Globeducate schools as part of the Globeducate Outdoor Learning Community. This day connects students to nature, promotes community and culture, supports mindfulness, and facilitates relationships between students and the environment. At Blyth Academy, we have always embraced learning outdoors because we have seen first-hand how it can significantly improve the student experience.

Lawrence Park Photography Class Heads to Algonquin Provincial Park

Our outdoor learning philosophy is built on understanding the tremendous benefits the outdoors can offer our students and teachers in their learning, well-being, and happiness. It is a fantastic platform to provide our students with valuable opportunities to develop their skills of collaboration, problem-solving and creative thinking. The annual Blyth Academy Lawrence Park Algonquin trip is a great example of this. Earlier this month, senior students from Lawrence Park set out on a four-day trip to the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station where they spent time in nature and studied outdoor photography – a memorable experience for everyone.

“Returning to the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station after a two-year hiatus provided our photography students with the opportunity to immerse themselves for four days in developing their photographic technique, seeing and touching plants and animals in their natural habitat, and creating a supportive and collaborative community of creatives,” said Blyth Academy Lawrence Park photography teacher, Paul Savaria. “This year we were incredibly fortunate to have a range of weather conditions including misty sunrises and clear blue skies, as well as waking up on our last morning to a moose foraging for food beside our cabins!”

Lawrence Park student, Jayden R., said “The most memorable moment of the trip was when I was sitting under a tree in view of a perched Blue Heron. As it was about to take flight, I was able to capture it flying close to the water as it gained speed. I got a photo that looked like it came from National Geographic.”

Lawrence Park student, Lola N., said. “I can say with great confidence, I had a great time. I had the best bunkmates anyone could ask for, respectful and fun teachers, surprisingly good food and an incredible amount of opportunity to photograph scenery with people always available to support me. A trip I most definitely will never forget.”

Blyth Academy The Glebe Students Head to Red Pine Camp

Students at our Blyth Academy The Glebe campus in Ottawa went on their own adventure into the forest for their annual camping trip at Red Pine Camp. Students spent time bonding and learning teamwork and leadership skills.

“This was a great camping trip,” said Graham Howard, the humanities and business teacher at Blyth Academy The Glebe. “Each of the activities seemed to cement relationships, especially with the students who were new to the school. Highlights were the obstacle course that required teamwork; spontaneous hilarious dancing on the dock; more spontaneous dancing and singing during music bingo; checking out the galaxy with Mr. B. and his super telescope on a perfectly clear night; and a classic campfire before bed. The cold, two degrees at night, was one last challenge to overcome. The trip was a valuable and memorable experience for students and staff alike.”

On November 3, students will again head outdoors across our campuses for soccer in the park, biology by the lake, photography in the forest and other activities that enrich their learning experience.

Read more about the Globeducate Outdoor Learning Community.