Outdoor Learning
Children at King Edward VI Preparatory School are no strangers to learning outside their classrooms and we proudly embrace our wild side at KES Prep. Our Head of Outdoor Learning, Mr Silas Caie, focuses on unlocking the potential of the School's extensive natural areas, leading both the teaching and development of outdoor learning provision across all year groups.
From Forest School in our own natural woodlands and Farm School with our smallholding and bees, to Beach School down on the coast, with habitat studies, pond dipping in our purpose-built field study area, and environmental stewardship woven throughout, we offer a progressive and holistic outdoor curriculum that complements academic learning and helps children flourish in all they do. Where many schools curtail Forest School activities after Pre Prep, children at KES Prep participate in regular outdoor learning opportunities each term throughout their time at the school – all the way through to Year 6 and into KES Senior.
Our exciting and unique outdoor curriculum enables children to be immersed in the natural environment, discovering the wonders of the living world, learning new skills, understanding risks and overcoming challenges. Throughout, children work collaboratively to maintain and develop the wild areas of our school, becoming responsible custodians of their own environment. These outdoor experiences also provide the perfect reset, nourishing children and ensuring they flourish in the classroom.
KES Prep's outdoor learning provision has been recognised for its exceptional quality and impact, receiving awards from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, endorsed by the Department for Education, alongside awards from The Woodland Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society. The School has been praised for outstanding achievement in sustainable development education, continually improving educational practice and sharing expertise with other schools and groups in the wider community.
Ongoing projects include working with the Campaign to Protect Rural England's 'The Hampshire Hedge' initiative to create a nature recovery corridor of hedgerows connecting the South Downs and New Forest National Parks, boosting biodiversity. Our pupil voice team for sustainability are leading a campaign to raise awareness and tackle food waste at school. We are also developing a new school apiary and beekeeping club, giving children hands-on experience in supporting vital pollinators.
Our Outdoor Spaces:
The Woods, Ponds and Stream
Our 3.5-acre woodland, stream, and ponds create an inspiring outdoor classroom. Children explore these natural spaces — building dens, splashing in the stream, and watching the woods change with the seasons.
The ponds teem with life, from newts and beetles to dragonflies and pond skaters. Through pond dipping and habitat studies, children learn about food chains, life cycles, and freshwater ecosystems. From the bird hide, patient watchers may spot woodpeckers, nuthatches, and visiting species.
Our meandering stream offers a hands-on introduction to hydrology and the movement of water through the landscape. Children investigate how streams shape their surroundings, learning about erosion, floodplains, and discovering freshwater life such as crayfish and kingfishers.
Each season in the woods brings new adventures — identifying wildflowers, exploring habitats, learning bushcraft, or using our trail camera to observe wildlife after hours. Here, children take risks, get muddy, and grow in confidence while developing a lasting love for nature.
The Farm
Our paddocks and enclosures are home to a wonderful variety of animals, including pygmy goats, ponies, and an assortment of poultry and waterfowl, as well as Oreo, our beloved school cat. These spaces offer children frequent opportunities to connect with animals in meaningful, hands-on ways, including observing sessions with the farrier and vets to learn about animal health and care in practice. We even offer horse riding lessons as part of our peripatetic offering. Click here to find out more>
Through Farm School and Farm Club, children learn to care for and respect all living creatures. They gain practical experience in animal husbandry, feeding, grooming, and monitoring health and behaviour, while learning about nutrition, habitats, and the responsibilities of animal care. Collecting fresh eggs, cleaning enclosures, and helping to design and build pens and fencing all help nurture teamwork, patience, and problem-solving skills.
Under the guidance of Miss Anna Godwin, our qualified Farm & Equine Manager with expertise in Animal and Zoo Management, children develop confidence and empathy through real-world learning, understanding not just how to care for animals, but why that care matters.
The Apiary
Nestled between the farm and the ponds, our apiary is a vibrant space for learning about bees and other pollinators. Maintained with the support of our children, the beehives and forage garden offer hands-on opportunities to explore the life of a hive up close. Donned in beekeeping suits, children can safely interact with the bees and get hands on experiences.
We manage our bees with a light touch, focusing on supporting them to thrive rather than producing large quantities of honey. The honey we do collect is used in lessons and shared within our community to inspire others. During inspections, children are encouraged to hold the frames, smell the honey, and even try to spot the queen, fostering curiosity, respect, and a deep connection with these vital pollinators.
Little Meadow
Little Meadow is a pocket of nature specially designed for our youngest children in Early Years to immerse themselves in the outdoors. Here, they can build dens, make mud cakes, dig for fossils, grow vegetables, and harvest apples from their very own orchard.
The space also features our sustainably built outdoor classroom, Meadow Lodge, which provides a hide for watching wildlife and looking out over the farm and its animals. Meadow Lodge offers a place for quiet reflection, learning, and shelter throughout the year, making Little Meadow a versatile and inspiring first step for our children into our outdoor learning provision.
