Outodoor education
In connection with nature and the local area
At OIS, as in all Becoming Education schools, outdoor education is not just an occasional activity; it is a way of experiencing school.
The outdoor environment becomes an extension of the classroom: a vibrant space in which to develop independence, curiosity and awareness.
Scientific research confirms it: children learn best when they can engage with their surroundings. Moving around, observing, exploring and touching creates a profound and holistic experience.
That’s why we make sure children spend time outdoors every day.
Why the outdoors is so important
Spending time outdoors helps children thrive. It boosts physical and mental wellbeing, stimulates the imagination and encourages teamwork. Conflicts are reduced and self-confidence grows.
Children become more open to the complexities of life. Together with their teachers, they learn to respect and look after the environment, observe changes in it, and understand the value of sustainability and biodiversity. It is a lasting learning experience because it is connected to real life.
The benefits of outdoor education
- Physical and emotional well-being Exercise, natural light and fresh air, contact with nature
- Curiosity and observation Developing a scientific eye
- Collaboration and autonomy Working together in real-life situations
- Multisensory experiences Touching, listening, smelling, looking, coordinating body and mind
- Environmental awareness Knowing, understanding and respecting the ecosystem
Outdoor Education for 6-13-year-olds
L'esperienza outdoor accompagna i bambini in tutto il percorso scolastico, con proposte calibrate sull'età e sulle competenze da sviluppare.
Working outdoors helps children see the world through fresh eyes and develop a critical mindset and a spirit of collaboration.
- Scientific activities and field data collection
- Explorations of the local area and mathematical observations
- Outdoor storytelling and art projects
- Collaboration and problem-solving in real-world contexts
- A vegetable patch where you can grow, observe and look after plants
Students learn to interpret natural phenomena, respect ecosystems, develop scientific thinking and make responsible decisions.
- Environmental investigations and the interpretation of natural phenomena
- Interdisciplinary projects involving science, geography and technology
- Critical thinking applied to the observation of the local area
- Responsibility and care for the ecosystem
- Civic education linked to the themes of the 2030 Agenda
Working outdoors helps children see the world through fresh eyes and develop a critical mindset and a spirit of collaboration.
- Scientific activities and field data collection
- Explorations of the local area and mathematical observations
- Outdoor storytelling and art projects
- Collaboration and problem-solving in real-world contexts
- A vegetable patch where you can grow, observe and look after plants
Students learn to interpret natural phenomena, respect ecosystems, develop scientific thinking and make responsible decisions.
- Environmental investigations and the interpretation of natural phenomena
- Interdisciplinary projects involving science, geography and technology
- Critical thinking applied to the observation of the local area
- Responsibility and care for the ecosystem
- Civic education linked to the themes of the 2030 Agenda
Our outdoor spaces
The garden
Our garden is a place for sensory and physical exploration and learning. Here, children discover a love of life and nature.
The garden fits naturally into educational planning, bringing a sense of discovery and wonder with it.
Educational garden
Olona Valley
For our students, the nearby Olona Valley is a vast natural space to explore, where they can reflect in a practical way on environmental issues, take part in creative workshops and develop projects involving the entire OIS school community.
Friendly plants
Greenery is at the heart of life at OIS: plants can be found in every room. They bring a sense of wellbeing and companions on a journey of discovery through life, in all its forms.
The children look after the plants every day. It is a valuable experience that helps them to become more independent and responsible.
Educational trips
Field trips are opportunities to broaden cultural horizons and strengthen relationships. They allow children and young people to gain first-hand experience of what they are studying in class.
We organise a range of outings and field trips — from day trips to guided explorations of the local area — designed to bring the curriculum to life.
Our destinations
- Theatre performances
- Exhibitions, historical and artistic sites
- Natural environments
- Field visits
Multi-day trips
We offer educational multi-day trips: experiences of independence, togetherness and discovery that bring the group closer together and create unforgettable memories.
Frequently asked questions
In Primary School, nature is the setting for scientific activities, measurement projects, geographical explorations, and storytelling moments.
In Middle School, the experience evolves into complex project work, featuring environmental investigations, interdisciplinary research, and data collection to develop critical thinking and responsible decision-making linked to the 2030 Agenda.
Start your journey at OIS
Come and discover the school: book a visit or request information. We look forward to welcoming you