Debate contribution: Curriculum Mainstreaming and Strategy for Outdoor Learning in Schools

Debate contribution by Mr Gary Middleton on 24 November 2025.

MLA: Mr Gary Middleton
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 24 November 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Committee Business
Heading: Curriculum Mainstreaming and Strategy for Outdoor Learning in Schools
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5253996

Text

I join others in welcoming the opportunity to speak on the motion and commend the work of all those involved in outdoor education, particularly the Northern Ireland Forest School Association. The sensible use of the resources around us is something that we can all support. As outlined by some contributors already, there is clear and substantial evidence of the benefits of outdoor learning. Being outdoors is, of course, a powerful antidote to the excessive screen time that is, sadly, becoming the norm for too many of our young people, given all the associated benefits for physical and mental health. When children and young people are engaged in outdoor learning, we see the improvements in social skills and cognitive development. I want to bring a local perspective to the Chamber, especially as the parent of a child who attends a rural school in Northern Ireland that values outdoor learning, with a sensory garden, daily mile walks and many lessons outdoors. The value of our natural surroundings is self-evident when our children can richly investigate plants, insects and the natural environment. We have seen first-hand how access to green spaces, fresh air and the natural world allows children and young people to flourish in ways that the four walls of a classroom cannot always accommodate. In my child's school, the teachers, through their dedication and willingness, have found innovative ways to integrate outdoor learning into the existing curriculum, from science and geography to simple literacy and numeracy skills, by observing nature and working together on projects. It is, of course, heartening to see new friendships form as children work together in different environments, building confidence and a sense of belonging in their community and the world around them. We have also seen how the outdoor approach has been successfully integrated into education systems in Scotland, Norway, Finland, the Republic of Ireland and, indeed, Wales. There is an opportunity for Northern Ireland to lead the way in this field. That having been said, as my colleague Mr Brooks said, we have to be mindful of the constraints on and the challenges that exist in the Department of Education at this time.
Thanks, Mr Deputy Speaker. I concur. I was going to go on to say that, whilst we may not have a lot of financial resources, we have the natural environment and natural resources, and we have dedicated educators in the teaching workforce. We also have the willingness to embrace that. What we need is a consistent approach to ensure that it becomes very much a normalised part of education and not just a one-off, such as an educational field trip, or a nice-to-do activity. Early years educators report that this approach reduces stress among children. That is important information. In an increasingly fast-paced and, sometimes, overwhelming world for our young people, providing them with opportunities to connect with the outdoor world, move away from screens and exercise and engage in lifelong learning is not just a good idea but a necessity for mental and physical well-being. As I said, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. I look forward to working together to try to bring about a better system for all.

532 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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