From Classroom Walls to Open Skies: How The Outdoor Classroom Empowers School Staff to Lead Inspiring Outdoor Lessons
Imagine swapping whiteboards for an orienteering map, and exercise books for interactive plaques that unlocks challenges with every scan. That’s a normal Thursday when a school partners with The Outdoor Classroom (TOC)—and the magic starts long before the first pupil heads outside. It begins with staff training that is every bit as active, data-rich and fun as the lessons pupils will soon experience.
1. A toolkit built for teachers, by teachers
TOC’s web-based platform lets any member of staff log in on any device, drop curriculum-aligned questions onto a digital map of their grounds, and differentiate tasks in minutes. Its mission is simple: create “accessible and equal sporting opportunities for all children” while raising attainment across subjects.
2. Why CPD has to move outdoors too
Teachers are expected to clock up at least 30 hours of professional development each year, yet “time, travel and budgetary constraints” often shrink those opportunities. TOC flips that script by making CPD sessions customised, active and delivered at a time and day to suit staff.
3. Three layers of support that make staff training stick
In-app Training Module – Every member school unlocks a self-paced module inside the TOC portal, complete with scaffolded practice courses. Staff learn exactly the way pupils will—hands-on and tech-enabled.
On-site Coaching Days – TOC trainers visit your grounds, set up a live course, then send teachers round it themselves—scanning plaques, answering questions and racing the clock. That experiential buzz cements confidence and sparks lesson ideas on the spot.
Bespoke CPD & Support – Need extra guidance? TOC runs tailored sessions and follow-ups. Schools like Springwell have used them to “maximise the benefits of the system,” turning early wins into whole-school culture change.
4. The impact in hard numbers
762 teachers completed TOC CPD during the 2022/23 year alone.
689 Maths lessons and 232 Science lessons were taught outdoors, proving STEM belongs outside as much as PE.
Member schools logged 3,058 outdoor sessions, covering 3,945 km of active learning.
When staff feel confident, outdoor learning scales fast—and the data is ready to share with governors, inspectors and parents at a click.
5. What teachers say after training
“Getting school staff out on the course themselves—seeing lessons through their pupils’ eyes—is the most valuable part.” – TOC Coaching-Day Lead
That first-hand excitement translates straight back to the timetable; teachers return indoors brimming with fresh ways to tackle fractions, French verbs or photosynthesis outside.
6. Ready to step outside?
Schools can join TOC’s free BASIC plan to try the platform (and its training tools) with unlimited pupils, then upgrade to PREMIUM for custom mapping, AI course creation and priority support. Either way, staff development is baked in from Day One.