Thomas’s Outdoors
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Thomas’s Outdoors
At Thomas’s, outdoor education is a key part of our holistic curriculum. Our philosophy is simple: in an age dominated by technology, outdoor education offers experiences that develop essential human dispositions in ways impossible to replicate in a standard classroom.
Led by a dedicated team of outdoor education specialists based within our schools and at our site in Surrey, the Thomas’s Outdoors department delivers regular, challenging and enjoyable learning experiences beyond the classroom from kindergarten onwards.
The department aims to integrate sustainability meaningfully into teaching and ensure that every child develops a strong, lasting connection with the environment. Beginning with bushcraft, navigation and team building, these character-building adventures allow our pupils to develop resilience, independence and teamwork – fostering confident, capable young people.
Ultimately, these opportunities have a positive impact on our pupils’ wellbeing and create shared experiences which make Thomas’s a happy and strong community.
Thomas’s Daheim
Thomas’s Daheim (which means Thomas’s ‘At Home’) is our outdoor centre near the Kalkalpen National Park in Austria. Thomas’s has been visiting the ski area of Wurzeralm here for 40 years and has developed strong relationships and a close bond with the people and the area.
During the first half of the Lent Term, pupils in Year 5 spend a week at Thomas’s Daheim, with pupils in Year 6 returning for a week in the second half of term. The programme covers outdoor pursuits, ski lessons and a rich evening programme – featuring starlit snow-shoeing, animal tracking, bushcraft, and shared traditions like our famous ‘schnitzel-bashing’ and end-of-week disco – with the Thomas’s Outdoor vision at the heart of the children’s learning.
Our teaching staff and qualified outdoor team lead these fabulous trips and care for our pupils, as they explore the spectacular scenery, discover ancient rock formations, study the stars in the night sky and observe local flora and fauna. Trips to Thomas’s Daheim create lifelong memories and are an unforgettable part of a Thomas’s education.
