Page 9 - FIS World November 2016

Learning Among Leaves
The bene ts of our campuses’ greenspace extends beyond
aesthetics
When FIS was founded in 1961 it is doubtful that the location was picked with students’ long-term mental health bene ts in mind, or the positive impact it would have on teaching and learning. But years later, research shows that the natural environment – enjoyed by students on both campuses – does indeed lend itself to learning.
The environment has a subconscious impact on students, and separate studies in both the United States and Canada found that students with higher exposure to “greenness” had improved academic performances in Mathematics and English, and that they also achieved higher scores on standardized tests. A further study found that daily views of natural settings increased children’s ability to focus and therefore enhanced their cognitive ability.
But the bene ts extend beyond academics. Studies have also found that children who spend time in or around natural settings are more physically active and aware of nutrition, exhibit more creativity, su er less from stress and have a greater environmental awareness than their peers in the city.
Researchers also discovered that teachers in these settings had increased morale and enthusiasm for teaching, plus increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning.
The natural environment – enjoyed by students on both campuses – does indeed lend itself to learning.
When asked their opinion of the school’s location, Grade 2-7 students on the Oberursel Campus tended to support the theory. As well as it being “cool not hearing cars,” they appreciated spending time in the woods for cross-country runs and other projects “without being scared.” They also liked the “cleaner air,” and one group of Grade 7 girls even said that the surrounding nature was “inspirational.”
From students’ perspectives to documented research, location therefore is important. And as Dr. Matthew White from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, suggests, “The mental health bene ts of green space are not only immediate, but sustainable over long periods of time.”The fact that both FIS and FISW are situated near public forestlands that are unlikely to be developed, bodes well for the future learning and achievements of our children.
Tony Winch FIS Parent
November 2016 FIS World 7