Outdoor teaching units
Planned units linked to Australian Curriculum content descriptions and achievement standards, with sequenced lessons, outdoor activities, teaching notes and assessment guidance.
In developmentNature-connected learning · South Australia
Learning beyond the classroom.
Forest School SA delivers practical, nature-connected programs for children and is developing curriculum resources and professional learning to support schools in using outdoor environments for teaching and learning.
Across the curriculumReception to Year 12Educator developmentEvidence-informed practice
A broader view of education
Integrating outdoor experiences across the curriculum
The Australian Curriculum identifies opportunities for guided, integrated learning in natural environments. Outdoor experiences can support the teaching of curriculum content, the application of knowledge and skills, and students’ understanding of the places in which they live.
We are developing resources that help teachers plan and deliver curriculum-linked learning in school grounds, local parks, reserves and other outdoor settings. Our intention is to make these experiences practical to organise and relevant to classroom learning.
Our programs in practice
Outdoor exploration, practical experiences and curriculum learning in local environments.
Working with schools
Programs and resources for schools
We currently deliver hands-on workshops for schools and community organisations. We are also developing teaching units, professional learning and school partnership options to support regular outdoor learning across subject areas.
Facilitated school programs
Facilitator-led practical workshops, tailored to the age group and setting. Schools can discuss links to their existing units of work and opportunities for follow-up learning.
Professional learning
Proposed professional learning on curriculum planning, selecting suitable outdoor environments, inclusion, supervision and risk-benefit assessment.
In developmentWhole-school support
A proposed collaborative service to identify curriculum opportunities, support staff planning and establish sustainable approaches to regular outdoor learning.
Future directionLearning for everyone
Planning for participation and access across a range of physical, sensory, social and learning needs, with appropriate adjustments informed by educators, students and families.
Guiding commitmentResearch and evaluation
A longer-term aim to evaluate implementation and student outcomes, share findings and seek research collaboration with schools and universities.
Long-term ambitionOutdoor curriculum
Learning through local places and environments
School grounds and nearby environments provide opportunities for field observations, measurement, writing, local history, design, investigation and practical problem-solving.
Activities should be selected for their relevance to the learning intention, with appropriate preparation, follow-up teaching and assessment. The aim is purposeful curriculum learning, not outdoor activity for its own sake.
An emerging school partnership model
One facilitated session, followed by teacher-led learning
Our proposed school program would combine a curriculum-linked practical session delivered with a classroom teacher and a complete sequence of lessons and resources for the teacher to use afterwards.
01 / EXPERIENCE
Facilitated introduction
A Forest School SA educator delivers or co-teaches a practical session matched to the year level, curriculum focus and available outdoor setting.
02 / EXTENSION
Classroom teacher delivery
The teacher receives a suggested learning sequence, resources, school-ground alternatives, adjustments and assessment opportunities.
03 / REFLECTION
Review and evaluation
Teacher feedback and evidence of student learning would be used to refine the materials and assess whether the delivery model is feasible.
This model is being developed and is not yet a published school package.
Research & innovation
Research and evaluation
Forest School SA aims to contribute to research on curriculum-integrated outdoor learning from Reception to Year 12, including student engagement, participation, learning outcomes and the practical conditions schools need for successful implementation.
We intend to develop evaluation processes alongside participating teachers and explore appropriate university research partnerships. These collaborations have not yet been established.
Research focus
How can outdoor learning be implemented regularly, inclusively and effectively across curriculum areas?
Our proposed research focus includes program feasibility, teaching practice and demonstrable student learning.
Programs for families
Weekly preschool and homeschool programs
Forest School SA continues to offer weekly preschool and primary-aged homeschool programs in Birdwood. Families can read about each program and download the class information pack below.
Download our full preschool & primary class information pack ↗
Weekly program · Ages 5–12
Homeschool Forest School
Our Friday program for home-educating children combines a weekly main lesson with bush walks, independent projects, handwork, practical skills and time for social play. Learning is adapted for a mixed-age group.
- When
- Fridays · 9 am–3 pm (current term schedule; confirm before enrolling)
- Who
- Home-educating children aged 5–12
- Enrolments
- Contact us about places, fees and the next term
Booking and invoicing update: We are moving to invoicing for our weekly classes. If your child attends regularly, your booking will continue automatically — simply come along as usual and we will send you an invoice. If your child attends casually, please let us know before each session that they will be coming, and we will invoice you.
Read class information pack ↗
Weekly program · Ages 3–5
Forest School Preschool
Our Thursday preschool program provides extended outdoor play and exploration within a consistent daily rhythm. Children take part in bush walks, storytelling, bread making, handwork and shared practical tasks. The approach values independence, relationships, imagination and regular contact with nature.
- When
- Thursdays · 9:30 am–1 pm (current term schedule; confirm before enrolling)
- Who
- Children aged 3–5
- Enrolments
- Contact us for eligibility, availability and fees
Booking and invoicing update: We are moving to invoicing for our weekly classes. If your child attends regularly, your booking will continue automatically — simply come along as usual and we will send you an invoice. If your child attends casually, please let us know before each session that they will be coming, and we will invoice you.
Read class information pack ↗School holidays
School holiday programs and workshops
Families can enquire about our themed school holiday programs. Libraries, OSHC services, schools, councils and community organisations can also book a facilitator-led workshop at their own venue.
For families · Holiday bookings
School Holiday Adventure Days
Our themed holiday programs include practical challenges, experiments, making and outdoor play. Previous programs have included Secret Agent School, Wild Science Lab, Minecraft in the Wild and Nature Potions.
Programs, ages and dates vary each holiday period. Ask us about the next schedule.
Ask about upcoming holiday days →
For organisations · We come to you
Mobile Holiday Workshops
Book an experienced Forest School SA facilitator to bring a ready-to-run workshop to your library, OSHC or vacation care service, council event, school or community venue.
Choose from Cubby Building, Nature Potions, Mud Slime, Eco-Engineers, Nature Dye, clay, weaving and many more. Indoor and outdoor options available.
View workshop brochure ↗Enquire about a facilitator →Mobile workshops: 1 hour $520 + GST or 2 hours $700 + GST, with a 20% discount stated in our brochure for schools and OSHC. Custom arrangements and travel may vary.
Enquiries
Contact Forest School SA
For information about weekly classes, holiday programs, workshop bookings or proposed school partnerships, please contact Forest School SA at saforestschool@gmail.com.