Welcome to the Learning Zone. The Education Team works with schools, students and outdoor learning providers to support learning in, and about, the National Park. The South Downs is rich in wildlife, landscapes, history, culture and industry. We want to inspire and support you to discover and explore this special place. It’s big and diverse so we work in partnership to give you a variety of ways to bring learning to life in a local context.
Learning Map
Interactive map of learning opportunities
Endorsed Sessions
Learning about the National Park in the National Park
Meeting curriculum needs
Hints and tips
John Muir Award
Discover, explore, conserve and share wild places
Inspire Me…
Case studies from out and about
Travel Grant Scheme
Helping you with travel costs
Resource Finder
Search and filter our resources
Work experience
With the National Park Authority
Staying safe
Advice and links
Events and Courses
Calendar of training from a range of Providers
News
Our blog about learning in the National Park
Useful Organisations
A listing of people who support outdoor learning
If you’d like us to work with your school please get in touch. Drop us an email at learning@southdowns.gov.uk for any queries, suggestions or requests. You are most welcome to contribute to the resources and showcase work that you are involved in. All ideas are credited and linked to contributors.
Talks and Practical Sessions from the Education Team
The education team can provide free talks and practical sessions at school and in the National Park around these key lines of enquiry:
- Why is the South Downs a special place, which is now protected as a National Park?
- What are the challenges facing the National Park and the impact of changes to the environment? Recent schools debates include Fracking and wind farms.
- How is the South Downs managed to conserve the special qualities?
- How do I get out and about to enjoy the countryside, using map skills and gps navigation?
Resources Toolbox
General Interest
All Ages
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Five Ways to Wellbeing
Evidence suggests that a small improvement in wellbeing can help people to flourish. This grid illustrates how schools, mental health support groups, and outdoor centres have used the John Muir Award to help promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing themes. -
High Quality Outdoor Education
A guide to recognising and achieving High Quality Outdoor Education in Schools, Youth Services, Clubs and Centres. -
How to Draw a Field Sketch
A step by step guide to drawing a field sktech by Jackie Day at RSPB Pulborough Brooks. -
Outdoor Learning Outcomes Mindmap
A diagram of potential outcomes for participants when taking part in outdoor learning activities.
Key Stage 1
Ages 5–7
Years 1 and 2
Key Stage 2
Ages 7–11
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
Key Stage 3
Ages 11–14
Years 7, 8 and 9
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South Downs National Park: Education Pack 12 Key Images
12 key images to accompany the Education Pack Booklet. Explore the enquiry question ‘Why is the South Downs National Park a special place?’ -
South Downs National Park: Education Pack Booklet
A booklet containing general information and lesson ideas for using the South Downs National Park. Explore the enquiry question ‘Why is the South Downs National Park a special place?’ -
South Downs National Park: Education Pack Worksheets
Seven pupil activity sheets to accompany the Education Pack Booklet. Explore the enquiry question ‘Why is the South Downs National Park a special place?’