Runway’s End hosts thousands of young people every year, offering residential courses in the north Hampshire countryside and a wide range of outdoor activities. The new facility will complement these hands-on experiences, enabling young people to use digital technology to record their discoveries, complete evaluations and engage with environmental topics in a new and interactive way.
The centre has also launched a new Woodland Adventurers programme, which combines outdoor exploration, environmental education and digital technology to enrich pupils’ experiences in the woodland environment. Through a series of challenges, experiments and data-collection activities exploring themes such as biodiversity, bushcraft and pre-historic earth, the aim is to help pupils to build confidence, curiosity and a stronger connection with the natural world. The accompanying digital platform gives teachers the ability to monitor pupil progress, link activities to curriculum objectives and evidence outcomes, while extending learning beyond the visit itself.
Outside school term time, the new building will also be available to hire by local community groups and other organisations, offering a modern and flexible space in a unique outdoor setting. More information can be found on the website, and further enquiries can be made by emailing [email protected].
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Universal Services, said: "Having seen the new classroom firsthand, it is a brilliant space that will inspire children to learn, explore and connect with nature. Combined with the new Woodland Adventurers programme, it will help create even more engaging, memorable and rewarding experiences for young people at Runway’s End and combine outdoor learning with innovative digital tools to spark curiosity in the classroom."
Teachers and education professionals are invited to learn more about the Woodland Adventurers programme and its links to the curriculum at a free online information session:
- Hosted by Runway’s End’s Environmental Learning Coordinator
- 5 November or 11 November at 4:00 - 4.30pm
- Register now
The sessions will provide an opportunity to explore how the programme can support classroom learning while enhancing pupils’ outdoor educational experiences.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “Schools tell us that the best learning experiences are those that capture children’s imagination and bring subjects to life. The new classroom space and Woodland Adventurers programme build on everything pupils already enjoy about visiting Runway’s End, while giving teachers new ways to link those experiences to learning back in the classroom. I would encourage teachers and education professionals to join one of the upcoming information sessions to find out more.”