OLA-GEMS Founders School - Dubai-PO Box 390498-06/Nov/2025

The school has implemented numerous interventions to support outdoor learning, and these opportunities in which the whole-school community can participate have proved really successful. Reports from pupils reflect that they find value in these opportunities, and the data suggests that everyone's positive attitudes towards outdoor learning have been improved. The school has worked hard to not only promote positive attitudes to outdoor learning but to capture these changes in their evidence, particularly in relation to attitudes towards outdoor learning and improvements in wellbeing. There has been a sigifnicant increase in the number of outdoor extra-curricular clubs available.

There is a plethora of opportunities in the curriculum provision, and pupil voice states that they enjoy these opportunities and would like more. The data shows that pupils are meeting and exceeding expections that are driven by outdoor learning improvements.

There are been a large increase in the number of extracurricular outdoor learning opportunities available across the school, and pupil participation has risen too, demonstrating that pupils are actively choosing experiences that connect learning
with nature and wellbeing. Outdoor and sustainability-focused learning is now valued, relevant and embedded within the wider student experience. A wealth of meaningful evidence has been provided by the school, which demonstrates the clear thinking and planning behind this benchmark. The data is robust and valid.

There has been an encouraging shift in the way that pupils are involved and therefore engaged with outdoor learning, particularly in relation to how if affects their health, wellbeing and mental health. Their enthusiasm for outdoor learning is palpable and the benefits they experience are clear. Pupil voice has effected positive change in the school.

The school has reported a significant reduction in accidents, which reflects the effectiveness of the school’s rigorous health and safety systems, including monthly meetings, daily checks, thorough risk assessments and a dedicated operations team. These proactive measures have created a safer environment for pupils and staff. The school is always thinking of ways to enhance provision using what they have on site already.

Training for the foundation stage team has had a direct and measurable impact on staff practice, with teacher uptake of outdoor learning increasing by 36%. This demonstrates increased staff confidence, consistency, and commitment to delivering purposeful outdoor learning as part of the daily curriculum. This is a particular strength of the school.

Pupil voice surveys conducted by the Wellbeing Team demonstrate a clear positive
impact on engagement and confidence in outdoor learning across the year, with KS1 pupils reporting a 15-point increase in enjoyment and an 8-point increase in confidence when learning outdoors, showing that outdoor learning is now embedded and purposeful and a valued part of the curriculum.

Parent workshops are now offered online the impact has seen attendance rising for the outdoor learning session. The introduction of offering online access and
link sharing, resulted in a massive increase in engagement. Feedback from parents/carers show that they very much appreciate the benefits of outdoor learning on their children, and that they are keen to be more involved where possible. The school has plans to increase parental involvement over the coming months.