The impact of nature on learning: how we make the most of our surroundings in Galicia

Learning in nature is essential for educating and preparing pupils for a changing world. Contact with the natural environment has also become a key ally in encouraging learning that is more active, aware and connected to real life.

At O Castro British International School, we are privileged to be located in unique natural surroundings, allowing the environment to become a living part of the educational experience. Our campus offers open spaces, wooded areas, nature trails and areas specially designed for exploring, playing and learning. This daily connection with the outdoors reinforces our identity as a school with natural surroundings and encourages curiosity, wellbeing, autonomy and a much more experiential way of discovering the world.

Learning in nature: a different way to understand the world

Talking about learning in nature goes beyond moving a lesson outdoors. It means using the environment as an educational resource that helps pupils observe, experiment, ask questions and solve problems through direct experience.

In the early years, this contact may begin with play, sensory exploration and exploring natural materials. As pupils grow, these spaces offer new opportunities to investigate, work as a team, develop critical thinking and become aware of the impact our actions have on the environment.

At O Castro British International School, this vision is part of the way we understand education. The outdoors becomes a space for active learning, where pupils can observe, analyse, cooperate, take on challenges suited to their stage and connect academic content with real, meaningful situations close to them.

The Green and The Forest: spaces designed for the youngest pupils

In the early educational stages, the environment plays a particularly important role. That is why, at O Castro BIS, we have spaces such as The Green and The Forest, designed specifically so that our youngest pupils can explore, imagine and learn in contact with nature.

These areas offer a safe and stimulating setting where pupils develop their autonomy through play, observation and experimentation. Each activity encourages different skills, from coordination and communication to creativity, cooperation and overcoming small challenges.

The Mud Kitchen: symbolic play and sensory learning

One of the most special resources in these spaces is the Mud Kitchen, an outdoor kitchen that allows children to play with water, soil, leaves, stones and other natural elements. Although at first glance it may seem like simple play, its educational value is very broad.

Through the Mud Kitchen, pupils develop imagination, language, fine motor skills and the ability to relate to other children. They prepare “recipes”, mix materials, compare quantities, take on roles, negotiate turns and create stories. All of this happens naturally, through a playful, sensory and deeply educational experience.

This type of play also encourages self-regulation and self-confidence. Children try, make mistakes, try again and discover that learning involves experimenting.

Outdoor Learning integrated into the educational experience

From the earliest years, at O Castro BIS we encourage pupils to learn beyond the classroom. Through Outdoor Learning activities, they take part in experiences that help them develop practical, personal and social skills in direct contact with their surroundings.

Within this philosophy, The Journey stands out: a programme integrated into the curriculum from Nursery to Year 8 that offers activities based on discovery, challenge and learning in a natural setting. Here, pupils strengthen their independence, confidence, wellbeing, creativity, teamwork and ability to solve problems in real-life situations.

At O Castro BIS, each educational stage experiences contact with the environment in a way adapted to their age. Outside the classroom, pupils encounter situations that invite them to observe, make decisions, communicate more effectively and understand what they are learning in a more direct way. In this way, every activity becomes an opportunity to learn through action.

These experiences also help build a more conscious and respectful relationship with nature. When pupils spend time in outdoor spaces, observe them, care for them and include them in their daily lives, environmental education stops being an abstract idea and becomes a real experience.

This commitment is also reflected in O Castro British International School’s recognition as an Eco-School. The school has renewed its Green Flag as an Eco-School, an international distinction that recognises the work of the educational community in sustainability, environmental care and environmental awareness. This vision connects with the importance UNESCO gives to education for sustainable development, aimed at helping pupils acquire the knowledge, values and skills needed to make responsible decisions for the planet and society.

Education in Galicia with an international outlook

At O Castro British International School, we combine the value of the Galician environment with an international education based on the British curriculum. This combination allows pupils to grow in an open, multicultural setting connected to the world, while preserving the richness of the place where they learn every day.

Galicia offers a privileged setting for connecting learning, nature and personal development. At our school, this connection is integrated into a broad educational approach, where the environment, active methodologies and close teacher support help shape curious, confident pupils who are prepared to face new challenges.

Being a school with natural surroundings, therefore, does not simply mean having green spaces, but knowing how to turn them into educational opportunities. At O Castro British International School, the natural environment supports learning, inspires new questions and helps pupils grow with greater confidence, autonomy and awareness of the world around them. Book a personalised visit and discover our educational project.