The outdoors offers something irreplaceable: the space to explore, observe, experience, reflect, take responsible risks and develop new skills.
Our aim is to create a stimulating and caring environment that enables all students to reach their full potential, developing their skills and confidence in all areas of life in the process.
The Forest
Why learn in the forest?
Learning in nature helps children develop a stronger sense of environmental responsibility, providing them with the social and emotional tools needed to navigate real-world challenges. We see the forest as an educational partner that inspires wonder, boosts wellbeing, and enhances academic learning in the classroom.
Our Forest School programme introduces children to the natural world, where curiosity is the driving force and every experience is an opportunity for growth. Forest School is a recognised approach to outdoor learning. Through regular sessions in a natural environment, pupils can build their confidence, independence and resilience, as well as developing a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Nature becomes an extension of the classroom, providing a space where creativity can flourish, problems can be solved naturally, and learning can come to life. Direct experiences in nature allow students to deepen their connection with the environment and develop a sense of responsibility towards it.
The Forest and the Academic Bridge
Our teachers work closely with EDUNAT professionals to ensure that outdoor discovery activities reinforce our British Curriculum goals. Forest School sessions provide a 'lived experience' for:
- Science: Exploring ecosystems, biodiversity and seasonal changes
- Geography: Environmental stewardship, map-making and understanding topography
- Literacy: Inspiring descriptive vocabulary and creative writing through sensory stimuli
- Personal and Social (PSHE): Building resilience, teamwork and mental wellbeing
Sant Agustí’s Forest School Programme is delivered in partnership with EDUNAT, a cooperative specialising in outdoor and nature-based education. Their experienced facilitators guide children of all ages through each session, ensuring they have a safe, inspiring and developmentally appropriate experience.
How Forest School works:
Throughout the year, children aged 3 to 11 participate in dedicated sessions. As they progress from the Early Years to Primary, they are gradually introduced to new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities to develop their skills.
Our approach is child-led, meaning our facilitators follow each child’s interests and curiosity. This allows learning to unfold naturally, whether through building shelters, exploring habitats, collaborating with peers, or experimenting with natural materials.
Children develop a variety of skills, including observation, problem solving, risk assessment, teamwork, creativity, environmental awareness, confidence and self-regulation.
The environment is the third teacher.
The Water
Water-based learning at BIC Sant Agustí
At BIC Sant Agustí, our seaside location enables pupils to learn first-hand about Mallorca’s coastal environment. Swimming, sailing and other water sports are an integral part of our outdoor education programme, helping students to build confidence and resilience, as well as developing essential life skills.
Swimming lessons (Years 1–6):
All pupils enjoy a full term of weekly swimming lessons at our local sports centre, where they can develop their skills.
- Water confidence
- Safe swimming technique
- Water safety awareness
- Fitness and coordination
Growing up on an island means that swimming is a vital life skill, and our structured programme ensures that children feel safe, capable and confident in the water.
Sailing and Water Sports (Key Stage 2)
Through our partnership with Port Calanova Sailing School, pupils in Years 4–6 can take part in activities that encourage pupils to develop teamwork, independence, coordination and respect for the marine environment, all while enjoying hands-on outdoor learning.
Nautical Initiation Programme (ages 8+)
Just a five-minute walk from the school, the Nautical Initiation Programme at the Escuela Nacional de Vela introduces pupils to sailing.
- Collective sailing
- Windsurfing
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
- Kayaking and canoeing
This programme is part of our Physical Education (PE) curriculum and is also available as an optional year-round club. It makes high-quality water sports accessible to all. Its location and professional facilities are among the most distinctive features of British international education in Mallorca.
Safety first!
BIC staff accompany children throughout every session. The sailing school provides all safety equipment, including life jackets, to ensure a secure and supportive learning environment.
Working with professional instructors, children learn practical skills on the water while developing teamwork, independence, coordination and respect for the marine environment.
Through swimming, sailing and a variety of other water-based activities, pupils form a deep connection with the island they call home. They develop essential life skills, grow in confidence and foster a lasting appreciation for Mallorca’s natural environment.
