Outdoor Learning

Mike Turnham is a qualified teacher and moorland leader delivering the right mix of aspirational and inspirational education topics and lessons in adventure. 

His aim is to deliver a holistic, consistent and high-quality outdoor education programme all year round, available to all Aspire and non-Aspire schools across Cornwall (and beyond!). Integral to the activities on offer is an emphasis on recognition, protection and ultimately appreciation of the natural environment. Geological beauty notwithstanding, in 2021 West Penwith was officially recognised as one of the best places in the world to see the stars at night. It is now an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) with minimal traces of light pollution, allowing for plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of our Cornish skies.  

In line with the Aspire vision, embracing regular outdoor learning opportunities helps develop life-long skills and attitudes, attributes and character traits that contribute towards healthy and fulfilled lives.

"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books." 

Education is not just about lessons within the four walls of a classroom. There is clear, well documented evidence that learning in a natural outdoor environment has a positive impact on children and when that learning is of high quality, the impact can be life changing. 

Over the last few years, the importance of developing character and life skills has been recognised as a major contributor to a young person’s life chances and essential for succeeding in an ever-changing workplace and wider world.

The Education Foundation recognises the importance that adventure learning can have on attainment: "Overall, studies of adventure learning interventions consistently show positive benefits on academic learning. On average, pupils who participate in adventure learning interventions make approximately four additional months’ progress over the course of a year."

In the words of the great man himself, Sir David Attenborough:

"No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced."