Into the Wild: How Outdoor Education Shapes Life Skills at Surbiton High School 

We caught up with Mr Payne, Head of Outdoor Education, to explore why Outdoor Education is such a cornerstone of the Senior School experience. Here, learning isn’t confined to the classroom. From bushcraft and climbing to Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Outdoor Education challenges pupils to step outside their comfort zones, develop independence, and grow in confidence.

Outdoor Education at Surbiton High School is about equipping pupils with practical skills: camp craft, knot tying, cooking over an open fire, pioneering, and team-based challenges. But it is far more than just an exciting co-curricular activity; it is an integral part of the PE curriculum.

For pupils in Year 7 and Year 8, lessons focus on meta-cognition, teamwork, and problem-solving, laying the foundations for Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards as pupils move through Years 9 to 13. Complementary activities, from climbing and bushcraft, both senior games options for Years 11 to 13, to team building and pioneering, ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to challenge themselves in new ways.

“Our approach is unique because we explicitly link outdoor learning with personal development,” says Mr Payne. “Pupils develop our three key dispositions for learning — initiative, reflection, and bravery alongside practical skills. It’s about nurturing the whole person”.

Outdoor Education encourages pupils to be adventurous, try new things, and believe in their own abilities. Whether cooking on an open fire, navigating an expedition, or working as part of a team, pupils discover what they are capable of. The experiences they gain in the outdoors complement academic and sporting achievements, fostering a sense of individuality, accomplishment, and self-confidence.

Time spent outdoors also supports well-being. Pupils experience the calm and focus that comes from being in green and blue spaces, while also facing challenges that require problem-solving and perseverance. From dealing with issues on expedition like blisters and supporting each other when times are hard to navigation without direct supervision, these experiences nurture resilience, patience, and a strong sense of self-reliance.

Outdoor Education teaches skills that pupils might not develop in a classroom. Teamwork, leadership, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving are central to every lesson. Pupils learn to understand their own strengths and those of others, applying a growth mindset as they work together and celebrate success as a team.

“The skills and confidence pupils gain here are transferable,” explains Mr Payne. “Whether it’s in the classroom, on a sporting field, or later in university and the workplace, the lessons of Outdoor Education stay with them for life.”

Certain experiences stand out year after year. Year 7 bushcraft, for example, gives pupils a first taste of independence, cooking on open fires, building shelters, and working together as a team. For older pupils, Duke of Edinburgh Gold expeditions offer the ultimate challenge, from canoeing on the River Wye to the challenge of navigating in the mountains of the Lake District and Brecon Beacons, providing both advanced outdoor skills and unforgettable memories.

Mr Payne is ambitious for the future of Outdoor Education at Surbiton High School. “We want to expand the programme even further,” he explains. “That includes introducing target sports like archery and axe throwing, low ropes courses, advanced bushcraft lessons, and even an Expedition Club, where pupils can design their own trips and develop planning and leadership skills. The goal is to create opportunities for adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences.”

At Surbiton High School, Outdoor Education is about more than just the great outdoors; it is about shaping confident, resilient, and capable young people who are ready to meet challenges head-on, both in School and beyond.