Work

Over a decade later: the role and place of outdoor education in the Australian national curriculum

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Outdoor Education has maintained a dynamic yet peripheral role within the Australian Curriculum over the past decade. Building on the foundational work of Gray and Martin (2012), the evolving status of Outdoor Education is critically examined, particularly considering the rollout of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. Historical context, curriculum reviews, and scholarly literature are synthesised to analyse its integration into existing subject areas and assess its viability as a standalone discipline. Nomenclature of the field is explored and explained, particularly delineating Outdoor Education research from the practical application of Outdoor Learning in the curriculum. Despite widespread recognition and advocacy of the benefits of Outdoor Education, it remains marginalised within curriculum policy, primarily confined to the Health and Physical Education learning area. Critical questions originally posed by Gray and Martin are revisited. The overarching question of ‘Should Outdoor Education be a part of every Australian child’s educational experience?’ is answered overwhelmingly—yes!

Source: Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education

DOI: 10.1007/s42322-025-00209-4

Author: Thomas J. McKenna

Institution: The University of Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Outdoor and Experiential Education

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090