Outdoor education provides a positive outlet for 'youthful energy'
Friday 26 September 2025
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Gordonstoun Principal Peter Green has called for a wider debate on dealing with indiscipline in schools, pointing to the success of children spending more time learning outside of the classroom and away from having ‘screen time’. His comments come after the recent publication of a report by The Commission on School Reform, highlighting a growing behavioural problem in Scottish schools. |
Equiping children for life after school
Gordonstoun Principal Peter Green said:
“We are only now beginning to see the psychological impact of the Covid pandemic on our children, particularly the amount of time they spent indoors.
“Significantly, this report has concluded that parents were impacted as well, with a lasting and negative impact on attitudes towards schooling. The question is how we turn that around.
“While schools must have a range of options to deal with persistent and serious behaviour, it is important that we look at the wider education package being offered to children.
“We have a responsibility to not only teach children but to equip them for life after school, recognising that some of the most valuable education cannot be cultivated through classroom learning alone.
“Since 1934, outdoor learning has been central to Gordonstoun’s educational philosophy driven by the ethos and principles set out by our founder Kurt Hahn, offering adventure and putting students in challenging situations.
“This channels youthful energy in productive ways rather than in conflict. Demonstrating to children that it’s ok to fail and try again means they learn key life skills such as resilience, as well as cooperation and self-discipline.
“This outdoor approach has never been more relevant today as we deal with the increasing challenge of how much ‘screen access’ to devices we should give our children.
“At Gordonstoun, a ‘Hahnian’ education offers a way to not just suppress instances of violence, through rules and discipline, but to change the underlying culture.
“Encouraging empathy, self‑control, mutual respect, and a sense of shared responsibility not only creates more rounded individuals but creates a more positive learning culture and inspiring role models. This cultural change is more sustainable in the long‑term than purely punitive measures.”
To find out more about the uniquely broad range of opportunities available to our students, our community and our setting, join us on our next Virtual Taste of Gordonstoun Webinar.
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