Natural Curriculum at LJMU

The Natural Curriculum at LJMU is an innovative, research-informed approach to teaching and learning, developed by the School of Education. Rooted in outdoor learning and sustainability, it supports meaningful, inclusive experiences for children, students and educators.

Working in partnership with Mersey Forest, LJMU have developed the Natural Curriculum, which is already gaining a strong local and regional reputation.

We:

• deliver professional learning and networking opportunities for schools through our Natural Curriculum Hub
• lead income-generating programmes funded by the Department for Education and Natural England
• support teachers to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum

New one-day Natural Curriculum Practitioner Programme

We are pleased to offer a new series of one-day outdoor learning courses for primary practitioners.

Courses include:

• English in the Natural Curriculum
• Maths in the Natural Curriculum
• Science in the Natural Curriculum
• Art in the Natural Curriculum
• Design Technology in the Natural Curriculum

Why the Natural Curriculum matters

Children learn from every environment they encounter. The Natural Curriculum harnesses outdoor spaces to enrich learning and evelopment. This approach supports:

• Curriculum knowledge and skills development
• Physical activity and motor skills
• Emotional wellbeing and resilience
• Risk awareness and independence

At LJMU, this distinctive approach enhances both children's learning and student teacher development helping our programmes to stand out.

The Natural Curriculum approach to learning is based on the recognition that outdoor education benefits children’s development and wellbeing. It helps them learn key curriculum knowledge and skills alongside managing risk and building their resilience. It is also a great way for them to increase their physical activity and aid motor skills development.

Partnerships and collaboration

We work with a growing network of partners to shape and deliver professional opportunities:

• The Mersey Forest
• GROW Wellbeing
• National Education Nature Parks
• Liverpool World Centre
• Strawberry Fields
• Big Foot HQ
• Wirral Park Rangers
• Wirral Borough Council

Our Natural Curriculum Outdoor Learning Area is located in the grounds of the John Lennon Art and Design Building. It provides a safe, curated and managed area for children, students and partners to undertake a wide range of outdoor activities.

Student opportunities

All undergraduate students on initial teacher education programmes and education studies programmes can enhance their studies through the Natural Curriculum: Thrive in the Forest Advanced Skills qualification, co-developed with Mersey Forest (funded by Natural England and the Department for Education).

Students benefit from learning alongside certified outdoor educators and develop practical skills including:

• den building
• creative outdoor learning (curriculum linked)
• safe fire lighting
• foraging

Hands-on teaching and outreach experience

A key strength of the Natural Curriculum at LJMU is the opportunity for student teachers to apply their learning in real-world contexts.

As part of their modules, students:

• work directly with children from local schools, planning and delivering outdoor science lessons
• gain practical experience of teaching in natural environments, building confidence and pedagogical skills

Students also have opportunities to:

• work alongside LJMU staff to deliver outreach sessions
• support visits from primary and secondary schools to the Outdoor Learning Area on campus
• contribute to engaging, curriculum-linked outdoor learning experiences for visiting pupils

These experiences help students graduate as confident, skilled educators ready to lead high-quality outdoor learning in their own classrooms. 

Find out more

Read the Natural Curriculum blog for regular updates on our outdoor learning activities.

Get in touch

If you’re a school or learning provider interested in finding out more about our Natural Curriculum programme, fill in the form below and a member of our team will respond to discuss your requirements.