Beyond the Classroom: Integrating Outdoor Learning into Everyday Education
David Addis
The benefits of activity weeks are undeniable—students thrive outside their comfort zones, develop resilience and foster long-lasting connections with peers and nature. So why limit these experiences to just once a year? This is the question we asked at ICHK that led us on a journey of building outdoor learning into the very fabric of what we do.
This workshop explores the value of integrating outdoor learning into the everyday curriculum and how these experiences can help align and reinforce your school’s values. We’ll discuss how a dedicated outdoor education team can empower educators to take their lessons beyond the classroom and contribute to a cohesive educational environment that truly promotes holistic development.
About David
Dave’s outdoor learning career started in the UK as a freelance instructor, but he really learnt his trade working in Hong Kong, where he now calls home. Working in the outdoor education field, he has always appreciated the experiences it has given him, the people he’s met and the places he’s travelled to along the way. Currently, he is the Head of Outdoor Learning at ICHK Secondary, where he uses the outdoors to enhance his students’ understanding and awareness of themselves, others and the world around them as much as possible. After completing a Masters in Outdoor Education, Dave became a founding member of the HK Outdoor Learning Association; a professional body working to create positive impact for HK’s outdoor learning sector and the people they serve.
