The Outdoor Classroom is an educational institution, offering a unique and enriching variety of learning opportunities in an outdoor setting. Our purpose is to serve the individual needs of every child, to enable them to thrive in their lives. It is our passion to assist children throughout their journey to a happy and healthy childhood.

Testimonials...

"A wonderful week outside, the kids had a great time." Kusnacht, Aug 2024"Super camp organisation, the girls loved the camp." Zollikon, Aug 2024"We loved everything." - Zollikon, Jul 2024"Really great organisation." - Zollikon, Jul 2024"lt is a great activity for the kids, they love it."- Zollikon, Mar 2024"Our daughter is so excited to Join the summer camp again this year." - Hottingen, Feb 2024"An amazing time and learns lots. She always comes back with a smile and has lots of fun."- ZH, Sep 2023"Absolutely loves it and all the activities you are doing Dubendorf." - Aug 2023"Our son had a great time, came home with a big smile on his face." - Zurich, Jul 2023'Highly recommend!! My son loves it." - Zollikon, Jan 2023"A big thanks for all that you are doing. Our child is very happy to come each week." - Benglen, Nov 2022"Thanks heaps for your hard work and professional approach." - Rüschlikon, Sep 2022"Thank you for all that you do, he talks so fondly about his time at the forest school." - Zürich, Aug 2022"Our daughter really enjoys forest school and couldn't stop talking about it!" - Schlieren, May 2022"My boys are very happy at the outdoor classroom." - Kūsnacht, Jan 2022

Contact Us...

For enquires, please contact us. We are happy to hear from you.

About Us

The Outdoor Classroom was founded in 2021. Our professionally developed concept, internationally influential experiences and safe practices ensure that each child receives the utmost care while benefitting from a truly unique outdoor programme.By using an outdoor environment, children experience a sense of nature. We believe that learning outside the traditional classroom setting fosters creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. From nature walks and wildlife spotting to gardening and outdoor games, we offer a diverse range of activities that keep children engaged and excited about learning.We offer a range of activities for children to develop and practice their language skills in English. Our native English speaking teachers make learning a new language engaging and interesting, enabling your child to develop their communication and language skills quickly. At The Outdoor Classroom, we understand that every child is unique. That's why we tailor our activities to suit different interests and abilities, making sure that every child feels included and valued.Qualified teachers and support helpers are their to inspire learning. Small groups allow the teacher to discover each child's motivation to learn. The teacher's role is to inspire learning through providing play opportunities, asking questions and exploring. Our approach focuses on hands-on learning and exploration, helping children to develop important life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Our dedicated and experienced educators are committed to serving the individual needs of every child, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Hi, I'm
Sally Draffan

Sally, founder of The Outdoor Classroom: an enthusiast about children's education, physical and mental well-being and the outdoors. Many years of international experience working with children of all ages, contributing as children thrive when provided a fitting environment. It's my mission to promote outdoor learning, through providing educational programmes for children. I support each child's journey of discovery with a core focus on health and well-being.

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Camps 2025

The Outdoor Classroom provides day camps during Spring, Summer and Autumn public school holidays in Zurich. Daily activities and excursions for children aged 4 - 10 years, sign up now for an unforgettable holiday packed full of new adventures.

Sports Holidays

Spring Holidays

Summer Holidays

Autumn Holidays

Sports Holidays

Join our fun activities during the sports break in February. With indoor and outdoor activities during the winter holidays, your child can learn and play in English.

Spring Holidays

Celebrate the new beginnings of spring with our outdoor programme that offers diverse opportunity to explore natures seasonal changes. The Spring Camp programme is designed for children to have fun and enjoy the outdoors. A wide range of fun activities for your child.

Summer Holidays

A fun packed programme, led by our English teachers, is designed to help your child develop their language skills while exploring the best of Zurich on daily adventures, excursions and activities. An unforgettable summer full of adventure

Autumn Holidays

Celebrate the beginnings of autumn with our outdoor programme that offers diverse opportunity to explore natures seasonal changes

Meeting Point: Hottingerplatz, 8032
Opening Times: 09.00 - 17.00
Days: Monday - Friday
Additional hours: Upon request
Language: Led in English
Food: Morning + afternoon snack incl.
Cost: 450-.CHF per week / 100-. per day
Included: Snacks, transport, excursions, activities, entry
Age range: 4 - 10 years
Group size: 10 max.
What to bring: Backpack, water bottle, packed lunch, extra clothes

Curriculum

Want to get involved? We are looking for support from professionals within the education sector. If you wish to volunteer your expertise, we gladly welcome your help for this non-profit project as part of a global initiative to better education around the world

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English Courses 2025

Looking for an English course for your child? Register your child for our English courses in 2025 to enhance their language skills and boost their communication in English.

Description of the English course:
The Full Afternoon session begins at approx 13:30 where children gather and we begin with circle time. Then, the children begin the set tasks/activities for that day, led in smaller groups by a native and qualified English teacher. Afterwards, child enjoy a short playtime. At 15:30, children registered for the Half Afternoon will join. The children enjoy a healthy buffet for snack as a group, followed by a short relaxing time in a calming environment listening to stories. Then the planned activities begin, in small groups led by a teacher. Before children are collected, we sit in a reflection circle, a safe space for children to share their ideas and stories. For children attending Evening Care, options of free play with Montessori equipment or drawing will be available. The Tutoring Group takes place from 17:30 - 18:30, this is a more intense course for children to focus all areas of the curriculum (speaking, listening, reading and writing). The focus on is on learning fundamentals of English. The tutoring session is tailored to your child and enables 1 to 1 support to ensure your child reaches their full potential. The sessions include materials and have limited places available.

FAQ's:
What level is it suitable for?
- The courses are suitable for all children. The activities and tasks will range in difficulty offering a stimulating challenge for those with advanced knowledge in English, and still offering opportunity to learn for beginner level learners. We consider it our job as a teacher, to ensure each child is motivated to learn and challenged to progress in order to reach their full potential.
Are children divided into groups?
- Yes, its important children are in smaller groups in order to focus, receive support and learn amongst their peers. Depending on the level of tasks set, children will be grouped according to their level/abilities and age.
Is snack provided?
- Yes, at 15:30 the children enjoy snack together. Snack is provided in a buffet style with many healthy fruits and vegetables available. We are able to cater to restricted diets and allergies, please inform us in advance.
How to register?
- Click the link below and it will take you to our online registration form. Complete the required information and select your course options then proceed to accept our terms and conditions. After you send the online registration, you will receive the confirmation and invoice within a couple days.
How does the payment work?
- The payment information is detailed on the invoice. Listed prices are the cost per session, however the registration is a contract for the course selected. The payments are for the whole course, not session by session. Payments always settled in advance.
Will there be more courses?
- Currently, we are only offering these English courses but we hope to offer more courses in the future - we will update parents when new options are available. However, we do offer camps during the school holidays and day courses.
Is there a trial session?
- (Optional) Parents may attend with their child for the first 20 minutes on the child's first session. After this children are promoted to attend alone to support their independence and participation as part of the group.

5 Week Course

The 5 week course runs from the 8th January 2025 - 7th February 2025. This short course is aimed to boost your child's communication skills with confidence and build a basic understanding while practicing among teachers and peers. With planned tasks, activities and games children can have fun whilst learning.We offer flexible options to suit you and your child's schedule on Wednesday's and Friday's.

7 Week Course

Our 7 week course runs from the 26th February 2025 - 11th April 2025. This longer course focuses on using the language skills acquired, by building on vocabulary and introducing reading and writing. Planned tasks, activities and games - learning can take place in a fun manner, that motivates each child.We offer flexible options to suit you and your child's schedule on a Wednesday and Friday.