Therapeutic outdoor learning (TOL) is one of the cornerstones of our curriculum at Cambian Whinfell School.
Situated within the beautiful location of the Lake District, the breathtaking outdoor environment, with stunning views surrounding Whinfell School makes Therapeutic Outdoor Learning a wonderful, immersive and enjoyable experience for students.
Our Dedicated Team
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Benefits of Therapeutic Outdoor Learning
Research and evidence increasingly suggests many benefits of spending time in the natural world for young people’s psychological and physical well-being, including:
Reduced stress
Better concentration
Improved feelings of well-being
Independence
Problem solving skills
Self-discipline
Team work
Development of social skills
Why TRO?
Therapeutic Outdoor Learning is a vital element in ‘grounding’ the boys so that they fully engage in the wider programme of education and personal development, and involves the use of the outdoors as a central part of our provision.
The activities we use may be anything from adventurous ‘outdoor pursuits’ (canoeing, climbing, mountain-biking, caving, walking,) through to working on our allotment, on local farms or in the National Park. All activities are very closely linked to each young person’s IDP targets as described in their EHCP.
Sessions are often specifically informed by the therapy team and may be designed to enhance areas such as communication skills, collaboration and expressive language or may focus on developing motor skills, core stability or coordination, for example.
The school never rushed me into things, but would obviously encourage if they thought it would be good for me. TOL, therapeutic outdoor learning, was something I really didn’t want to do at the start, but after a few weeks I eventually went on a session and loved it. That experience helped me gain trust in the school’s judgement and understanding of me. They clearly just wanted what they thought was best for me. If they knew I wouldn’t benefit from something, they wouldn’t suggest it.
Jack, Student
Learning beyond the classroom
Discover how a surprise encounter on a mountain walk became a powerful lesson in our Therapeutic Outdoor Learning journey at Whinfell.
Read the full story
Equine learning programme
Whinfell have recently embarked on an equine program, attending the BTRC (The British Thoroughbred retraining Centre) once a week to take part in The Changing Lives Through Horses program.