Research shows benefits of Bush School
Sydney researchers have highlighted the positive impact of nature play on children’s education, development and wellbeing in research with Greater Sydney Parklands.
Western Sydney University researchers conducted a study on the Bush School program delivered by Greater Sydney Parklands, following a Year 1 class as they embarked on nature play activities as part of their learning program for a term.
The research paper titled, Nature Play as a Catalyst for Outdoor Learning, Engagement and Wellbeing in Australian Primary Students, details how some students showed improvements in mathematics after taking part in bush school, and experienced more joy, autonomy and a deeper connection with nature. The researchers followed 25 students from Middle Harbour Public School for two hours over 10 weeks, and compared results against 25 who did not participate. While some children initially didn’t like getting dirty, by the end of the program they were all happily playing in mud.
Lead researcher Alexandra Harper, who has more than 30 years of experience in education, said evaluation of reading and math results, teacher and student journals, interviews, parent surveys and observations of children participating in Bush School showed a range of benefits from nature play.
The findings suggest that nature play can help children flourish, supporting a shift from surviving to thriving - Alexandra Harper
“There's a common belief that learning only happens effectively inside a classroom, especially for literacy and numeracy. Our findings show that learning doesn’t stop, it changes. Children are not learning less; they’re learning differently.
“The benefits extended beyond bush school. Teachers observed greater engagement, improved self-regulation, and stronger peer relationships, all of which contributed to improved engagement and learning.”
Ms Harper said despite a great deal of rain during the 10 weeks, the challenging conditions taught resilience.
“Many people assume that children need to experience only positive emotions to support their wellbeing. However, when children engage with the unpredictable challenges of nature such as mud, rain, and natural obstacles, and learn to navigate and overcome them, it can lead to positive feelings, confidence, resilience and wellbeing.
“Children do not need to be happy every minute. It's important that they experience challenges as well as successes.”
Dr Harper said when these challenges were manageable and developmentally appropriate, they helped build problem-solving skills and resilience.”
“At the start, some children were reluctant to get dirty and wanted to know where they could wash their hands,” she said.
“By the end of the program, it wasn’t an issue. Children engaged at a level that felt comfortable for them.
“Some weren't ready to climb trees, while others were happy to sit and rest in them. Nature is a powerful teacher because it allows children to explore, learn and grow at their own pace.”
Middle Harbour Public School Principal Laura Barry said bush school was an extension of their play-based learning program.
“We wanted the students to experience the added benefit of taking our play-based learning further – into nature – and our teachers said the program and its benefits exceeded their expectations,” she said.
“In their maths investigation studies they were focusing on mass and balancing. After the program, without any teacher intervention, the students were able to apply what they had learnt to a real-world situation.
“Some children become more engaged back in the classroom, which helped improve their academic outcomes.”
Dr Amanda Lloyd, Nature Play Development Manager at Greater Sydney Parklands, said the research was validation of the Bush School program.
“Greater Sydney Parklands has been working with researchers at Western Sydney University to evaluate the benefits of our popular bush school and nature play programs to ensure they are grounded in evidence-based research,” she said.
“The data reflects what we see here in our programs every day – that nature play leads to measurable benefits not just for a child’s development and wellbeing but even for academic performance.”
Background information
This program was specifically set up for this research program, but Greater Sydney Parklands offers Bush School excursions for school students.
The Greater Sydney Parklands regular Bush School program is tailored to children aged 2.5 - 5 years and led by our expert Education Rangers, who bring urban children and their parents back to nature in the heart of Centennial Park.
The program is designed to inspire a love for the natural world in children through outdoor games, bushcraft activities and storytelling. Activities change every 5 weeks and include storytelling, nature-based activities, free play (climbing, digging, imagination, creativity), and art making.
In addition to the Centennial Park program, Greater Sydney Parklands is also offering Bush School at Callan Park, Parramatta Park and Western Sydney Parklands.
