Home Schooling Resources

The Learning Pod

Home learning ideas and activities from Outward Bound

Working, parenting and teaching are three different jobs. And most of us don't usually choose to do them at the same time!

At Outward Bound, we work with schools, colleges, youth groups and employers day in, day out to help young people to develop the skills and traits they need to become strong, resilient and curious - ready for the challenges of life.

As soon as all pupils can return back to school, we will also be back.

And continue to work with young people and deliver adventures as soon as we are able to during these uncertain times.

Until then, here you'll find support and advice on how you could approach home learning from our inspiring instructors, who are faced with these kinds of challenges when working with young people every day.

We've also curated a range of resources that encourage experiential learning, developing skills, supporting wellbeing and going outside (if possible) because that's what we're passionate about.

Exped at Home Activity

We miss expeditions! But will be back as soon as it's safe. But whilst we need to stay indoors, you can create your own Outward Bound expedition experience at home.

Photo taken before COVID

Free online resources

There are a lot of free resources and activities available to support learning at home and making the most of the outdoors. Here are some of our favourites.

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom: a selection of online resources from a range of organisations.

Learning through Landscapes: free outdoor learning ideas and outdoor lesson plans, ideal for curricular led outdoor learning.

Scouts Adventures at Home: resources for developing skills whilst having indoor adventures.

Girlguiding #AdventuresAtHome: activities and adventures to keep occupied for kids and adults.

Sustrans Outside In: activities that include videos, games, weekly challenges, themed activities and more.

OS #getoutideinside campaign: Mix up your daily exercise with these ideas below, or download their GetOutside Challenge Calendar to keep you motivated.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award: a collection of activities that can be undertaken with DofE groups remotely.

John Muir Award is sharing activity ideas and suggestions through their Twitter @JohnMuirTrust and #JohnMuirAward.

Online Bushcraft: live forest skills every weekday from Ed Stafford.

East Ayrshire Council’s Education Service: activities for having adventures at home.

British Red Cross: resources on wellbeing, resilience building, kindness and first aid that can be done at home.

Outward Bound Learning Journal

We have a range of worksheets in our Outward Bound Learning Journal, originally designed to support learning on an Outward Bound course, however, these can be used in other learning contexts too.

Hope and fears worksheet - to help pupils identify things they're worried about and looking forward to.

Comfort zone worksheet - to help pupils understand how to push outside their comfort zone.

Goal setting worksheet - to help pupils focus on your personal goals whilst at Outward Bound.

My skills wall worksheet - to help pupils to identify skills they need to develop.

Thoughts and reflections worksheet - for pupils to record their thoughts and reflections.

Postcard to myself worksheet - enables pupils to write a postcard to themselves to reflect on their experience.