Student Engagement

Bush School is a small group program run for specific cohorts of students with additional needs or vulnerabilities. We are so fortunate at Winters Flat PS to have direct access to a stretch of Campbells Creek, where the children can explore the natural environment.

Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable — it’s also necessary. Many researchers agree that kids who play outside are happier, better at paying attention, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. Spending time in nature can build their confidence. There’s a lot less structure than most types of indoor play and they can choose how they interact with the nature around them. This gives them practice managing their own actions and encourages creativity and imagination. There is strong evidence that non-directive play, which is also known as child-centred play, may be useful in reducing anxiety in young children. There is also much research showing that risk taking and adventurous play acts as a mechanism for reducing the risk for childhood anxiety.