At Collège du Léman, our beautiful lakeside campus in Versoix, Switzerland, enjoys a truly privileged setting surrounded by woodland, river, and lake. This exceptional environment offers our Pre-school students countless opportunities to connect with nature regularly throughout the year — fostering exploration, well-being, and hands-on learning beyond the classroom walls.
As autumn began, our young learners in PS3 (5-6 years old) set out on their first adventures outside the classroom, eager to explore the natural world around them. Their journey started with a special outing into the neighbouring forests that border our Versoix campus — for some, it was their very first encounter with the wonders of nature in Switzerland. Surrounded by the gentle sounds of the river and the rustling of leaves, the children began discovering the beauty and excitement of learning outdoors.
On their first trip out, our students set off into the Versoix forest full of curiosity. Every step brought a new surprise — from tiny insects and rustling leaves to little treasures hidden beneath the trees. Their laughter and excitement carried through the woods as they shared discoveries with one another. These authentic moments of exploration nurtured observation and focus. As the children examined plants, touched the soil, and listened to the sounds of the forest, they began to develop a stronger connection with their natural environment. For our young learners, these early experiences are far more than just play — they are the foundation for growth and for learning.
Research shows that time spent in nature offers a wealth of benefits for young children. It enriches their sensory awareness as they engage with the textures, sounds, and colours of their surroundings, stimulating curiosity and observation. Being outdoors also nurtures emotional resilience, helping children face the unfamiliar with confidence. In a social context, these shared outdoor experiences foster empathy and cooperation as children communicate, share discoveries, and support one another in their explorations. Language naturally blossoms as they describe what they see, feel, and imagine, while creativity flourishes as sticks become wands, stones become treasures, and every leaf tells a story. Beyond these developmental advantages, time in nature promotes calmness and well-being, offering moments of joy and mindfulness — essential foundations for early learning and emotional growth.
Moreover, adventures in nature strengthen motor skills as young children balance on uneven ground, climb gentle slopes, and explore with their hands. During our PS3 outdoor adventure, the journey continued along the forest’s fitness trail. As the children climbed, balanced, and ran along the winding paths, they combined fun with physical activity, building coordination, strength, and confidence. These moments of joyful motion not only support physical development but also nurture a deep sense of well-being and connection to the world around them.
This outing perfectly reflects our Early Years philosophy at Collège du Léman. We nurture curiosity and foster each child’s personal growth. Through sensorial exploration and meaningful, hands-on experiences, children are inspired to learn actively and with joy — all within a caring and stimulating environment. The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) provides the framework for these enriching experiences, ensuring that learning through nature is integrated into our educational approach in a structured yet flexible manner.
On our green campus in Versoix, every experience helps our young learners grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually, sparking a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their school years and beyond. The exploration that begins in our forest outings extends back into the classroom, where children continue to build upon their discoveries through various learning activities. This holistic approach to early childhood education recognizes that some of the most valuable lessons occur when children are actively engaged with their environment, asking questions, solving problems, and developing a sense of wonder about the world around them.
The natural setting of our campus provides an ideal backdrop for implementing the IEYC, which emphasizes personal, international, and academic development through child-initiated and teacher-led activities. By taking learning beyond the classroom walls, we create meaningful connections between curriculum objectives and real-world experiences, making education both relevant and memorable for our youngest students at Collège du Léman.
