Education outside of the classroom is an integral part of the New Zealand educational system, and it serves several important purposes.

Here are some of the key reasons for promoting and conducting education activities outside of the classroom in New Zealand.

1. Experimental Learning: Education outside of the classroom offers students the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences. It allows them to see, touch and engage with real-world environments and situations, making learning more meaningful and memorable.
2. Cultural and Environmental Understanding: New Zealand’s unique natural landscapes and cultural heritage prove an ideal backdrop for outdoor education. Students can gain a deeper understanding of their country’s history, environment, and culture by exploring these aspects first-hand.
3. Promotion of Well-Being: Outdoor activities and physical education help promote students’ physical and mental well-being. New Zealand values a healthy lifestyle, and these activities contribute to students’ overall health and fitness.
4. Teamwork and Leadership: Many outdoor activities involve teamwork and cooperation, which are essential life skills. Students learn how to work together, communicate effectively, and develop leadership skills in a different context that the traditional classroom.
5. Environmental Stewardship: Education outside of the classroom fosters environmental awareness and responsibilities. New Zealand places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, and students often participate in activities that promote ecological conservation and sustainable practices.
6. Cultural Engagement: New Zealand’s multicultural society values cultural diversity and encourages students to engage with various cultures. Students can participate in cultural events, visit historical sites, and interact with different communities, fostering a sense of global awareness and empathy.
7. Community Involvement: Many extracurricular and outdoor activities involve community service and volunteer work. This instils a sense of responsibility and civic engagement in students.
8. Holistic Development: Education outside of the classroom helps develop students’ social and emotional skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. It complements the academic learning that takes place within the classroom.
9. Connecting with the Curriculum: Outdoor education aligns with New Zealand’s curriculum framework and its key competencies, which include thinking, using language, symbols, and texts, managing self, relating to others, and participating and contributing.
10. Balancing Academic Learning: While traditional classroom learning is essential, education outside of the classroom offers a balanced approach. It provides a break from the classroom routine, refreshing students’ minds and enhancing their enthusiasm for learning.

In New Zealand, there’s a strong tradition of using the country’s unique natural and cultural resources for educational purposes. This approach allows students to gain a well-rounded education that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, contributing to their personal growth and a deeper understanding to their environment and society.