Case study: Runway’s End environmental programme
Learn more about how Runway's End's environmental programme enhances nature connectedness.
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Nov 18 2024

Runway’s End’s environmental programme aims to bring environmental education to life by immersing students in a captivating woodland setting. The programme gives pupils the chance to explore the natural world, conduct experiments and develop a sense of environmental responsibility. We spoke to a teacher from Binstead Church of England Primary School about her class’s experience.

How does the programme align with and enhance your curriculum objectives?
As part of our sustainability framework, we're starting to think about how we're going to educate our students about climate change and the environment. It's quite tricky sometimes to do that from within the classroom, because often the children are not as engaged as they should be. That’s largely because it’s hard to develop a love of nature whilst they’re inside the classroom.
We have school grounds which we do use, but some schools don't. City-based schools in particular will rely on places like Runway’s End to inspire their children and ensure they're getting that love of nature. Ultimately, if they love the world that they're living in, then they're more likely to want to try and save it.

What's different about this programme compared to others available on the market?
I mean, what's not to love about these beautiful surroundings? Even though it’s freezing today, my children are absolutely loving being outside. I've not had a single complaint. They're out here in the fresh air, enjoying everything. It's just a world away from the classroom where traditionally we would teach about these things. It's about meaningful, in-depth learning. The best place to do that is outside.

How has the programme impacted your students’ understanding of climate education and sustainability?
I think what's really important is that the children are really knowledgeable about the challenges that they face in the future. The programme has helped make sure that they understand what they’re talking about and how they can take action at the same time.
It’s important that we take their hands and show them that they can do these things, even though they're still small. They can make a difference. Somewhere like Runway’s End is a perfect place to start that journey.

How has this trip made a difference for your children?
One of the children in my classroom is passionate about environmental education and making a difference in the world. He has additional needs, which means that often learning is difficult for him to access within the classroom. He is thoroughly enjoying the programme. He’s completely engrossed and really understanding what is needed to make a change.
I don't think I could have got that level of participation from him within the classroom, because of the environment that we're in. Runway’s End is the perfect environment for us to get the best out of that child. And as a teacher, that's a gift.