Learning beyond the classroom
Outdoor School takes learning into the natural environment, where nature becomes a place for exploration, discovery and connection. Through hands-on experiences, children observe, investigate, build, create and solve problems. Mud, movement, water, weather and the unexpected are all part of the learning. Working together and learning through doing, children develop independence, resilience and confidence, alongside a deeper understanding of the living world and a sense of care and responsibility for the natural environment. At Moerlina, this is an integral part of how we believe children learn and grow.
Learning in, with and through nature
We believe children are part of the natural world, and that time spent immersed in nature is an important part of growing well. At Moerlina, learning beyond the classroom has been part of our approach since the school began in 1974. Our Outdoor Schools reflect our broader educational philosophy of Calm by Design, Deep Learning, Child Agency and Growing Better Every Day. They create purposeful learning environments where children can wonder, investigate, move, create and collaborate, connecting learning inside, outside and beyond the school grounds.
Learning through discovery and experience
Natural environments offer opportunities for learning that can be difficult to replicate indoors. A changing landscape invites observation, questioning and discovery, while real-world challenges encourage children to think creatively, solve problems and test their ideas. Outdoor learning connects areas such as science, geography, mathematics and language in meaningful ways. As children describe what they notice, share their theories and work together, they develop vocabulary, communication and reasoning skills, learning to make sense of the world through direct experience.
Supporting capable, confident learners
Children are capable and competent learners who benefit from opportunities to make decisions, test their abilities and take appropriate risks. In natural environments, they learn to assess challenges, navigate uncertainty and develop confidence in their own judgement. Educators provide a secure framework for exploration, balancing freedom with thoughtful guidance and care. Through play, inquiry and collaboration, children strengthen their independence, resilience and social skills, developing the confidence to try new things, work through difficulties and discover what they are capable of achieving.
Nature’s Adventurers | Early Learning
Nature’s Adventurers begins our youngest children’s relationship with learning beyond the classroom. Through time spent exploring and playing in natural environments in and around our school grounds, children are free to follow their curiosity, move their bodies and discover the world through their senses. With trusted educators alongside them, they encounter manageable challenges, develop physical capability and begin to build confidence and independence. This joyful, unhurried approach honours the way young children learn best: through movement, play, discovery and relationships with the people and places around them.
Bush School | Years 1–6
Bush School takes learning beyond the school grounds and into the rich natural environments surrounding Moerlina. Each visit begins with a familiar rhythm: walking the boundaries, noticing what has changed and considering new risks. Then the possibilities open up. Children build shelters and dens, create, collaborate, solve problems and follow their own ideas. Carrying their gear, navigating the space and caring for each other and the environment, they develop practical skills, resourcefulness, resilience and independence. Bush School is sustained, immersive learning in a wild space — not simply an excursion or an afternoon outdoors.
Beach School | Years 5-6
Beach School extends our Outdoor Schools philosophy into the senior years, using Perth’s coastline as a rich and dynamic learning environment. Our Years 5-6 children spend extended time at the beach, exploring coastal ecosystems, responding to changing conditions and engaging in learning that draws together physical challenge, inquiry and environmental understanding. With increasing independence comes greater responsibility, encouraging children to assess risk, make decisions and work collaboratively. Beach School reflects our belief that older children, especially, need wild spaces, movement, challenge and authentic experiences beyond the classroom.
“There is real heart and care in the way Moerlina engages with children, nature and play. Through our visits and mentoring, I’ve seen the thought and intention behind their approach, and the deep connections they nurture between children, community and the natural world. I’ve loved sharing in their nature pedagogy journey, working alongside educators who are curious, receptive and always learning. Moerlina’s Bush School is something special, and I’m proud of our connection with a school that puts these values into practice so authentically.”
Daniel Burton
Co-Founder and CEO, Educated by Nature