University of Bolton Group





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Curriculum Linked Engagement
How Outdoor learning supports Higher Education Curriculums
Experiential Learning: Outdoor learning can provide students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. This type of learning can help students to connect theory to practice and can help them to better understand complex concepts.
Improved Engagement: Outdoor learning can help to improve student engagement with the subject matter. Studies have shown that students are more engaged and motivated when learning takes place in a natural setting.
Development of Practical Skills: Outdoor learning can help students to develop practical skills such as navigation, wilderness survival, and teamwork. These skills are not only useful in the outdoors but also in other areas of life.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Outdoor learning can also promote interdisciplinary learning, as it often involves collaboration across different subject areas such as environmental science, geography, and history.
Health and Wellbeing: Outdoor learning can have positive effects on student health and wellbeing. Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and can help to promote physical activity.
Outdoor learning can be a valuable addition to higher education curriculum, providing students with unique learning opportunities and helping them to develop a range of skills and knowledge that will be useful in their future careers.

Staff Team Building and Wellbeing Away Days
Get your colleagues together for a positive team building and well-being away day at the Anderton Centre. A few reasons how a trip to the Anderton Centre can improve team building and wellbeing.
Physical Activity: Outdoor learning often involves physical activity such as walking, hiking, or paddling, which can improve cardiovascular health, build strength and endurance, and help to maintain a healthy weight.
Exposure to Nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood. Exposure to natural light can also help regulate the body's internal clock, improving sleep quality.
Vitamin D: Exposure to sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and muscles, and may also play a role in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Improved Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and creativity.
Social Connections: Outdoor learning often involves group activities and can provide opportunities for social connections and support, which can improve mental health and well-being.
Outdoor learning provides a range of health and well-being benefits that can improve both physical and mental health. These benefits are particularly important in today's society, where many people spend a significant amount of time indoors and are at risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Student Experience
Outdoor learning can improve the higher education student experience in several ways:
Active and Engaged Learning: Outdoor learning provides students with an opportunity to learn through active, hands-on experiences that engage their senses and promote deeper learning. This type of learning can increase student engagement and motivation, leading to a more enjoyable and rewarding educational experience.
Increased Interdisciplinary Learning: Outdoor learning often involves collaboration across different subject areas, which can help students to see the interconnectedness of different fields and develop a more holistic understanding of complex issues.
Development of Practical Skills: Outdoor learning can provide students with opportunities to develop practical skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, which are highly valued in many professional fields.
Exposure to Diverse Environments: Outdoor learning can expose students to diverse environments, cultures, and perspectives, which can broaden their understanding of the world and enhance their empathy and social skills.
Improved Health and Well-being: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and can improve physical health, which can contribute to a more positive student experience.

Programme Inductions
Outdoor learning can support the University of Bolton Programme Induction in several ways:
Promoting Social Connections: Outdoor learning can provide an opportunity for students to connect with one another and develop a sense of community early on in their academic careers. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall student well-being.
Team Building: Many outdoor learning activities involve teamwork and collaboration, which can help students to develop trust and build relationships with one another. This can be particularly useful for students who are new to the university and may not have established a support network.
Enhancing Learning Skills: Outdoor learning can help students to develop essential learning skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are particularly important during the induction phase, as students are learning to navigate a new academic environment and may face academic challenges.
Developing Resilience: Outdoor learning can also help students to develop resilience and adaptability, as they are required to navigate new environments and overcome obstacles. This can be particularly useful during the induction phase, when students may be adjusting to a new academic and social environment.
Providing a Memorable Experience: Outdoor learning can provide students with a memorable experience that they are likely to remember throughout their academic careers. This can help to create a positive association with the university and improve overall student satisfaction.
A visit to the Anderton Centre can be a valuable addition to any University of Bolton Programme Induction, providing students with a unique and memorable experience while also promoting social connections, team building, and essential learning skills.
