© Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
School grounds & outreach
Join our Wilder Schools programme
Our FREE three-year Wilder Schools programme has been successfully delivered across Surrey in over 50 schools. Bringing together outreach, school grounds advice and teacher training, we can help your school to utilise your outdoor space for curriculum-linked learning and support the wellbeing of students and staff.
Our practical support links with the Department for Education’s National Education Nature Park, where schools can map and monitor improvements that contribute to sustainability and climate action goals.
Outdoor education for everyone
Wilder Schools is open to infant, primary, secondary and SEND settings, welcoming both state and independent schools.
Programme details
Programme length
Our Wilder Schools programme starts in September and is spread across three years of support. The programme is tailored to each school, with an intensive first year of support, which reduces as the school develops its outdoor learning programme.
Cost
Our Wilder Schools programme is FREE, but there are some additional costs.
These include a visit to our Nower Wood Education Centre near Leatherhead, along with any teacher training required, which will be agreed on with the school based on their needs.
Availability & how to apply
Our Wilder Schools programme starts each September and places are subject to availability.
You can contact us at any time during the school year to discuss how Wilder Schools could work for your school. If the programme is fully booked, we can offer a soft start through assemblies, school grounds advice and staff meetings, helping your school prepare for a flexible, tailored approach in the next academic year.
If you are interested in becoming a Wilder School, please email education.centres@surreywt.org.uk or call 01372 379509.
Case Studies
View a series of interactive case studies featuring past Wilder Schools participants.
Copyright Edd Moore Damers First School
Other outreach offers
Assemblies & school grounds advice
Book one of our tutors to visit your school to deliver a free assembly on the work of Surrey Wildlife Trust, the importance of nature and how we can all help wildlife.
This can be followed by a school grounds walkover where we can offer advice for improvements and discuss the potential to join our free Wilder Schools programme.
Email education.centres@surreywt.org.uk or call 01372 379509 for more information.
Staff training
Get in touch to book a free staff meeting where we can introduce the teaching team to the benefits of outdoor learning and discuss barriers currently faced.
Free bespoke INSETS are provided under our Wilder Schools project covering a diverse range of topics including science, numeracy and literacy.
Email education.centres@surreywt.org.uk or call 01372 379509 for more information.
Curriculum-linked outreach
Outreach is usually available through our Wilder Schools programme, but please get in touch if you are interested in a bespoke, curriculum-linked outreach session.
Cost
Sessions cost £7 per student per half day, with a minimum charge of £140, and are subject to staff availability. Tell us about your learning goals and outdoor space, and we will tailor a programme to suit your needs.
Sessions can be developed around 3 key themes:
- Living things and their habitats
- Plants
- Evolution and inheritance
