Recently distinguished as the only school in the Algarve to achieve the mark of excellence as an Eco School, Nobel International School Algarve is building on this ethos and vision by bringing the great outdoors into the curriculum through Forest School and Adventure Club.
Pupils from Year 2 to 13 will soon be exposed to outdoor learning in a new, dynamic approach. Forest School, a specialised learning approach that has its roots in Scandinavia, will launch in September 2019 with Year 2 to 6 and will have its own purpose-built camp area in the school orchard, close to the organic vegetable garden. Older students from Year 6 upwards will have a full Adventure Club programme available.
The programme complements the school’s status as an Eco School and the recognition in January this year of working at a level of excellence in implementing the values and mission of Eco-Escolas. The school is also evaluating single-use plastic, has implemented the removal of any plastic cutlery, and has an Eco Warriors student group that strives to encourage an appreciation of the environment throughout the school community.
A-Level scientists have visited CCMAR, the marine research centre at the University of the Algarve in Faro, and art students are collecting plastics to give to an environmental art project in Lagos in May, to raise awareness of plastic in the ocean (click here).
Head of Adventure and Geography teacher Matt Harris said: “The whole school is on board – across as many areas of the curriculum as possible, we strive to encourage appreciation of, and respect for, our environment. Everyone is very excited about this new development, which will encourage hands-on contact with nature.
“We will offer archery, cooking, crag climbing, abseiling, hiking, snorkelling, coasteering, fishing and navigation. From my 25 years’ experience in leading outdoor education, I can say with confidence that these activities will foster a sense of camaraderie, grow independence and expose children to the beauty and challenges of the great outdoors – and the need to protect it.”
