Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning: Where Nature Becomes the Classroom
At Mougins British International School, we wholeheartedly believe that learning does not only take place inside the classroom. Nestled in woodland, our campus provides a safe and inspiring environment where curiosity thrives.
A Campus Designed for Discovery
Time spent outdoors often provides children with the most memorable learning experiences and can help them to make sense of the world around them by putting their lessons into a meaningful context. Every part of our campus encourages outdoor learning and exploration. Shaded green spaces, leafy playgrounds, and calm reading corners under our willow tree allow children to connect with the world around them.
Teachers are encouraged to move lessons outside whenever possible — bringing core subjects to life through hands-on, nature-based activities that spark curiosity and creativity. The amazing year-round climate of the Côte d’Azur is central to our commitment to daily outdoor learning. It allows our philosophy of hands-on discovery to come alive consistently, with lessons confidently taking place outdoors almost every day.
For example, we might take a maths lesson outside by drawing problems on the playground with chalk, measure the circumference of trees, or estimate the height of buildings. Students can also go on a mini-beast hunt in the forest, observe the biodiversity around the school, or carry out a small gardening project to study plant growth.
Outdoor Learning in Practice
Outdoor learning is built into our school calendar at every stage:
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Early Years: Once per term, our youngest learners spend a morning in the forest. These sessions focus on sensory discovery, teamwork, and early independence, helping children build confidence and curiosity in a natural setting.
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Primary School: Once a week, students take part in one hour of outdoor learning. Each session is directly linked to their classroom topics — teachers creatively adapt lessons to nature, whether it’s exploring habitats, measuring tree growth in maths, or writing stories inspired by the forest.
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Year 7 — Local Studies: Every week, our Year 7 students dedicate an afternoon to exploring their surroundings as part of their geography programme. From discovering nearby villages and historical landmarks to studying local ecosystems, they learn to connect classroom theory with real-world experience — developing curiosity, observation, and a deep appreciation for the Côte d’Azur’s environment and heritage.
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A Levels: With more independent study time built into their timetables, our senior students often choose to work outdoors. Whether revising for exams, reading, or collaborating on projects, they enjoy the calm and sunshine of our leafy courtyard — a perfect balance of focus and wellbeing.
This unique balance between classroom learning and outdoor exploration helps children understand that knowledge exists everywhere, not just in books, but in the world around them.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Connection to nature plays a vital role in wellbeing, mental health, and academic performance. Our outdoor learning approach encourages children to:
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Build resilience, confidence, and curiosity.
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Strengthen social and emotional intelligence through shared outdoor experiences.
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Develop a deep understanding of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
“When lessons move outdoors, something magical happens: students focus better, smile more, and remember longer.” — Mrs. Moon, Head of Primary
Eco-School Certification: A Commitment to Sustainability
Our outdoor philosophy goes hand in hand with our commitment to sustainability. For the past three years, Mougins British International School has proudly held Eco-School certification, an international recognition of our efforts to educate for a greener future.
Spearheaded by Valentina Deidda, our Eco Coordinator, and a dedicated team of Eco-Delegates, our programme empowers students to take real action for the environment. These delegates work collaboratively — and voluntarily — alongside their academic studies, leading initiatives that reduce waste, promote biodiversity, and raise awareness of global sustainability challenges.
A highlight of our sustainability initiatives is the THRIVE Community-Garden, a large and beautifully designed vegetable and fruit garden created by our PTA. Here, Primary students learn the full cycle of gardening, from planting seeds to harvesting seasonal produce. The garden also connects to real-life applications: our school chef transforms excess harvest into delicious meals for the children, while students even sell vegetables and fruits at school pick-up to fund new seeds, plants, and gardening tools for the next season.
Experience the unique advantages of the British approach. Download our brochures to see how we maximise learning, indoors and out.
