Outdoor Education
The outdoors at our doorstep
St Andrews may be a small town, but the world around us is big. At St Leonards, pupils learn about society, cultures, traditions and our planet through experiences both in school and out in the world around them.
With sandy beaches on our doorstep, Junior School pupils have plenty of opportunities to take their learning outdoors. The neighbouring East Sands provides a natural setting for Beach School, while After School Activities such as Nature Club encourage pupils to explore and learn more about their surroundings throughout the year.
Come sun or rain
Whether they are wrapped up against the winter winds or basking in the summer sun, our pupils embrace the shoreline with a short walk down to the water’s edge with their class teachers, who are truly passionate about bringing learning to life.
Outdoor classroom
Back at school, a dedicated outdoor classroom complete with fire pit and log stools offers the perfect spot for bushcraft, cooking and experiments. Our outdoor amphitheatre, too, is ideal for open-air assemblies and performances, while the St Leonards Croft exists for pupils to grow vegetables and bee-friendly plants.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
In the Senior Years, pupils embark upon Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions – Bronze, Silver and Gold – learning survival skills, orientation and camping in the wild. They plan routes, work together, and grow as young people.
A Coastal Tradition
Dips, or “dooks”, in St Andrews Bay are part and parcel of life at St Leonards. Boarders enjoy a Saturday morning dook at the nearby tidal pool, while pupils can make the most of the water throughout the year, whether paddling in the shallows or taking on a full wild swim. Supervised by staff, it’s a chance to enjoy our coastal surroundings, spend time outdoors and experience one of the many benefits of having the sea right on our doorstep.
Experienced Staff
All outdoor activities at St Leonards are led or instructed by experienced and qualified members of staff, with the School striving to set the highest possible standards for learning both in and outside the classroom.
