Summer 2022, Paper 2, Variant 2, Sample Answer (Question 1)

Question 1
Write an article for young people about outdoor learning.
In your article you should:
• evaluate the ideas, opinions and attitudes given in both texts
• give your own views about whether or not an outdoor education for children and young people
is feasible or desirable.
Base your article on what you have read in both texts, but be careful to use your own words.
Address both of the bullet points.
Write about 250 to 350 words.
Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer, and up to 25 marks for the
quality of your writing.

In an era where technology often overshadows the natural world, the conversation around education is pivoting towards the great outdoors. The push for outdoor learning isn’t just a fleeting educational trend but a movement towards rekindling our connection with nature, as highlighted in recent discussions. This article aims to dissect the merits and challenges of outdoor education, reflecting on insights from advocates and skeptics alike, to offer a balanced view on its feasibility and desirability.

The case for outdoor learning is compelling, painting a picture of education that goes beyond the conventional classroom. Proponents argue that it nurtures well-being, fosters a deep connection with the environment, and enhances social, emotional, and physical development. The transformative power of nature, as one narrative suggests, can offer solace and a sense of achievement, absent in traditional educational settings. It’s about building shelters, foraging for food, and learning resilience in the face of nature’s challenges—lessons that textbooks struggle to impart.