As part of our commitment to developing a deep connection to Nature among our pupils, we are excited to announce a new Nature Project initiative that will be a cornerstone of our Tutor Time curriculum and the start of a wider three-year strategy: Nature Connectedness. This project represents a significant step in our strategic plan to integrate Nature-based activity into the transformational experience at Mount Kelly.
We have recently secured funding from the Woburn Estate and the Duke of Bedford, whose family has long historical connections with Tavistock. This funding will facilitate a research project over the next two years to prove that Nature Connectedness not only supports physical and mental well-being, but has a positive impact on academic attainment. Building on five years of data, we aim to validate our belief that pupils who engage with Nature demonstrate the greatest academic growth. It is our intention to broaden all our pupils’ interaction with Nature in order to better gauge the impact of this connectedness on schooling, but also on preparedness for a world in which understanding Nature capital is increasingly important.
The Nature Booklet
This term, all pupils from Reception to Year 13 will participate in a range of activities designed to cultivate their relationship with the natural world. Central to this initiative is the Nature Booklet, through which pupils will engage twice weekly during Tutor Time in structured activities that encourage observation, reflection, and creative expression around the time they have spent in Nature.
Earlier this week, each pupil completed the Nature Connection Index (NCI). This simple yet impactful tool helps measure their sense of connection to the natural world, providing a baseline for future reflection and growth. All staff completed this measure before Christmas.
Our Objectives
The overarching goal of the Nature Project is to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the natural environment while supporting pupil well-being and academic engagement and attainment. Through activities, we aim to:
· enhance pupils’ awareness of the natural world and their role within it
· foster mindfulness and emotional resilience through nature-based reflection
· strengthen observation, documentation, and creative skills.
What’s Next?
This term’s activities lay the groundwork for the broader objectives outlined in our three-year road map. These include the development of an outdoor classroom, the introduction of a social prescription programme to support pupil mental health, and various immersive experiences. We are also planning a nature-focused overseas trip in Summer 2026 for pupils in Years 11-13, to complement the existing trips programme.
The Nature Project will also support the development of a Nature Connectivity Award to celebrate pupils’ engagement and achievements, with plans to launch this programme in collaboration with local schools and environmental partners.
Finally, our overarching aspiration is that our strategy will provide our pupils with a unique educational experience that nurtures their connection to the natural world, supports their overall development and prepares them better for the challenges of the modern world.
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