The Outdoor Ed School
Episodes
The Safety Behind the Scenes
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From risk assessments to weather plans and overnight supervision, this episode explores the unglamorous but essential planning that makes school trips...
What’s in Your Cup? The Surprising Truth About Resilience
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Life shakes us all but what spills out isn’t always caused by the bump. In this episode, we explore a simple yet profound lesson from a professor: t...
Textbooks to Trails: How Outdoor Learning Is Rewilding Education
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when classrooms move into forests, fields, and footpaths? In this episode, we explore how schools are using outdoor activities to teach e...
The Missing Link Between Behaviour, Focus, and Outdoor Learning
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s be honest.Most mindfulness in schools doesn’t work.Telling restless students to “sit still and breathe” in a classroom full of pressure,...
Resilience Isn’t Pretty: The Truth Nobody Talks About
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If resilience had a real slogan, it wouldn’t be “Stay Strong”....It would be: “This hurts. Keep going anyway.”In this episode, we peel back ...
Outdoor Challenges That Help Kids Regulate Their Emotions 🌟
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how outdoor play and nature-based activities can help children manage big feelings, build resilience, and stay focused... ...
How Outdoor Learning Boosts Kids’ Well-Being 🌿
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that spending time outdoors can do more than just burn off energy? In this episode, we dive into the science and stories behind how natur...
The Ant and The Circle - Creating self limitations
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We all do it, we all limit our selves in some way. Some times it can be a good thing. Other times it can stop you for achieving greatness. Nothing sum...
Tegan Hawkins
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Tegan Hawkins the new lead instructor of our New Forest activity centre.
30 Days 1 Pot
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for “30 Days to Create 1 Pot,” a journey into patience, craft, and the ancient skills that shaped our connection to the wild. Each episode...
Leading Questions
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time to learn how to drive (communicate) again!
Archie Fitzgerald
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Archie a new additional to our outdoor activity team. In this episode he explore his previous experiences and his passion for the outdoors.
Is Comfort The Killer Of Success?
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss if comfort is the killer of success.I was joined by James Marcer an outdoor instructor who specialises in alternative provi...
Four stages of competence
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stages of Competence model was introduced by Noel Burch in the 1970s. Similar to the Situational Leadership model, learners in the Stages of Compe...
Alternative Learning Programs or Outdoor Events
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the difference between an outdoor event / camp and an alternative learning program.
DOC - Team Work Model
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are looking for a simple but effect team work model / tool then try DOC.
M.I.C.E model used by the CIA
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The pillars to convince your students to try something new
Pressure or Support
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here is my take away from a recent event. Before we provided a full day event for a school the teacher hosted a group discussion.The topic, what is th...
Group Fires
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe it's time to introduce your students to fire. Fire safety, social experiences, the different uses of fire.
Rocket Launcher Challenge
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a simple and fun activity perfect for year 3 students and above.
The Paper Run Challenge
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All you need is some paper, a ball, and a starting line.
No - Next Opportunity
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are delivering a progress program or a development program this is a must listen.
Jim Marcer
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am joined by Jim Marcer an alternative learning provider and outdoor educator
Jim Marcer - Adventure Pathway
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we discuss the importance of have a goal and the steps to achieve your goal.
Map Making - Outdoor Ed Challenge
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a great way to introduce map reading to your students. With different levels of complexity making it adaptable for most ages. You will cover t...
Orienteering / Navigation Treasure Hunt
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At The Outdoor Ed School we provided this activity just before the Easter holidays every year. It's a great activity to get your student outside...
Goal Setting Using A Compass
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While providing an orienteering session for a school I stumbled onto this great metaphor. Identify your starting point and your end point (goal). ...
Overflow
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All you need is a few cups and some water. This competitive challenges gets you students thinking about resource management, game tactics, partnership...
The Paper Pinch Challenge
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This activity gets your students thinking, active, and working as a team. With the help of your students it will take you less than 30 seconds to set ...
The Fear Of Failing
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I share a quick snippet of what was discussed at the Odyssey event last week.
Outdoor Ed Resource - Empathy - Position - Intent - Quality
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you looking for a feedback model which rolls off the tongue than this isn't the right model for you. If you are looking for a model which is ...
Team Challenge - Story Builder
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a great way to get your students brains working. It asks your students to work together, be creative, and think quickly. This can also be ...
Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs - Outdoor Ed Resource
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs is a motivational psychology theory which used by the outdoor industry to promote planning and preparation for residen...
Team Challenge - Human Tank Track
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you have some scrap paper / newspaper and sellotape then you have everything you need for this activity. Your key stage 1 and 2 students will lov...
Nathan Sherratt
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In todays episode I am joined by Nathan Sherratt an active football referee and the managing director for The Third Team. The Third Team supports re...
Alternative Learning Ideas - Letters To Future Self
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is almost a stand alone episode... This isn't a team challenge, problem solving, or review model. But it can be used to support all three...
Team Challenge - Tarp Tasks
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you get two for one! We will talk through two different team challenge ideas which you can provide with just a tarp / blanket. For...
Team Challenge - The Pencil Circle
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This challenge is ideal for key stage 3 and 4 students. If you are looking for a challenge which only requires a pencil and focuses on resilience an...
Team Challenge - The Human Alphabet
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Human Alphabet summarises this activity pretty well. Check out or website for lots of free review models to support this activity. www.theoutd...
Team Challenge - Body Part Pass
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are looking for a great icebreaker challenge which only requires a ball try this one. It is ideal for key stage 1 and 2 students. You can a...
The Mindset Model
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a handy reminder that not everything comes naturally to you but often the most rewarding things require a little effort!
Dr. Lauran Kerr-Heraly
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me and Dr. Lauran Kerr-Heraly as we discuss the importance of alternative learning programs. Lauran is an experienced professor who has created...
Outdoor Ed Resources - Master Goal Setting Model
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This model feels similar to the SMART goal setting model. You will need to provide goal identifying section prior to using this model. Think of th...
Outdoor Ed Resources - S.M.A.R.T Goals
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This goal setting framework is a great tool to help the user to identify their goal, create a pathway, check its achievable, and create a time line. ...
Outdoor Ed Resources - The 5 C's
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 5 C's is a great goal setting tool ideal for short and long term planning. If you want to start 2024 by developing your students visualisati...
Outdoor Ed Resources - The Grow Model
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are looking for a goal setting tool then look no further. The GROW model brakes down the goal setting and planning phase into bite size chuck...
Outdoor Ed Resource - The BOOST Feedback Model
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This model give both you and your students a framework to deliver constructive feedback. BOOST stands for Balanced - Observed - Objective - Specific...
Teachers Team Challenge - Snowball Fight
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are looking for an activity which is fun, festive and still supports your students to develop their social skills then try this one. Try pair...
Outdoor Ed Resources - The AID Model
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Simple to remember, quick to explain, and effective. This review model can be delivered both as a self reflection task or as a guided review. If y...
Outdoor Ed Resource - Be Curious Ask Questions
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This model supports you to reframe the language you use. It promotes the use of questions to identify and replicate positive behaviours. This is s...
Teachers Team Challenges - Cliff-hanger
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This activity takes little to no equipment can be set up in less than 30 seconds. Are you looking for a review model to pair with this activity? H...
Outdoor Ed Resources - The Input - Output Model
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This model breaks down how we take in, process, and react to information. If you are looking for a simple but powerful mindset model then look no fu...
Teachers Team Challenge - All Aboard
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
1 roll of masking tape + 10 minutes = A great team challenge! This activity is based of an adventure course classic, The all aboard. It takes just...
Outdoor Ed Resource - Yerkes-Dodson Law
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Yerkes-Dodson Law explores the relationship between pressure and performance. It suggests if you have too little or too much pressure you will p...
Teachers Team Challenges - Countdown
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is an adaptation that a teacher created while providing the grid walk challenge. I thought it was so good I had to share with everyone else! ...
Teachers Team Challenges - The Night Line
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Simple, Fun, and Packed full of communication development! This is another activity in our masking tap challenge series. Where we try to think of ...
The Hero's Journey - Teachers Outdoor Resources
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The hero's journey maps out the different experience the main character will have as they transform into a hero. In this podcast episode we will...
The Masking Tape Challenges - Wild Woozy
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode 1 of the masking tape challenges. Over the next 4 episodes we are going to teleport a challenge course into your classroom so the...
Teachers Resources - Challenge By Choice
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is the difference between support and pressure? This model / idea gets your students to select the level of challenge they are happy to take on...
Teachers Resources - Comfort - Stretch - Panic
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This model looks at the different states of mind your students could experience while taking part in an activity. Comfort - Stretch - Panic This mo...
Teachers Team Challenge - Grid Walk
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This activity only requires a roll of masking tape and can be delivered in your classroom. If you are looking for some review models, more team chal...
Teachers Outdoor Ed Resources - 5 P's Review Model
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The 5 P's is a review model which identifies the different roles in a team. Like all things not all roles are positive. Once your students kno...
Teachers Team Challenge - Whispers
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we will transform a campfire game into a powerful team challenge. For more team challenges check out our website: https://www.theou...
Teachers Team Challenge - Gridlock
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This a great challenge for KS3 and KS4. By far the hardest challenge we have talked about on the podcast to date but is great when paired with FAIL....
Teachers Outdoor Ed Resources - FAIL
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a brilliant mindset tool. FAIL - First - Attempt - In - Learning Check out the hub for loads of challenges which pair perfectly with this ...
Teachers Team Challenge - The Floor Is Lava
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this challenge we have blended an amazing team challenge called 'steppingstones' and a popular game 'Floor is lava' together. This...
Teachers Team Challenge - Thread The Hoop
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome your students back from October half term with a quick and fun team challenge. Check out the hub for more team challenge ideas and loads mor...
Teachers Team Challenge - Stretch
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You will need some space for this team challenge but its worth it. Adaptable for all ages and needs, uses little to no equipment, and is packed full...
Teacher Team Challenges - Egg Drop
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This challenge fosters responsibility, organisation, creativity, and so much more. If you would like a printable session plan head over to our websi...
Teachers Team Challenges - 101 and Out
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are looking for an activity which is fun, easy to run, and is embedded with learning outcomes then try 101 and out. It only uses a few die. ...
Teachers Outdoor Ed - Group Discussions
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Group discussions... They are a brilliant way to get your students talking, working, and understanding each other a little better. However, if you...
Teachers Team Challenges - Picture Line
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for a funny game which is packed filled with learning outcomes? Picture line is loads of fun but is also a great representation of how importa...
Teachers Team Challenges - Many Hands One Clap
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
No equipment, no setting up but filled with learning outcomes! Check out our website for loads of free outdoor Ed resources www.theoutdooredschool.co....
Teachers Team challenges - Do these challenges count as Outdoor Ed?
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This question popped up during a free weekly Outdoor Ed Q and A. If we can’t afford to provide students with outdoor ed experiences, then maybe we n...
Teachers Team Challenge - The Human Knot
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A team challenge which using a no equipment and needs no setting up. Perfect to task to develop skills like communication, leadership, collaboration a...
T.O.E.S - EPI8 - Blackout
01 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A great team challenge which asks your students to think outside the box.
The Outdoor Ed School (Trailer)
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
T.O.E.S - EPI7 - Team Challenge - Copycat
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A great team challenge focus on developing communication skills, problem solving skills, and understanding complex instructions.
T.O.E.S - EPI6 - Team Work Model - DOC
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are looking for a way to develop your students team work, communication, and time management. Then check out the DOC team work model.
T.O.E.S - EPI5 - Team Challenge ‘Silent Shuffle’
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A great team challenge which gets students to develop their nonverbal communication skills. This is a great activity for a Monday morning as it requir...
T.O.E.S - EPI4 - Team Challenge The Tower
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A quick and simple activity which is ideal for embed learning outcomes like resource management, communication, collaboration, and so many more.
T.O.E.S - EPI3 - Learning Circle - Plan Do Review Implement
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a great tool to support you students during team challenges and problem solving activities.
T.O.E.S - EPI 2 - Team Challenge 'The Flash'
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s start your students day with a quick team challenge which needs no setting up! The only equipment you will need is something to throw like...
T.O.E.S - EPI 1 - Welcome
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a teacher you know first hand how beneficial and meaningful outdoor experiences are for your students. They give your students an opportuni...