Outdoor Learning at The SSNS IPC School

Located at the highest point in the world, surrounded by Himalayan peaks, deep valleys, and tropical jungles to the south, Shree Shiva Narsing Shikshyalaya, Kathmandu, offers an exceptional outdoor learning experience. From an early age, our students embark on hill adventures, beginning with Forest School in Foundation 1 and culminating in mountain expeditions for our Gold International Award candidates at seventeen. We are dedicated to programs that reflect our ‘5Cs’:

  • We challenge students to be independent through activities like setting up tents, cooking over fires, and abseiling down canyons.
  • We build confidence with teamwork, well-managed risk-taking, and adventurous experiences.
  • We broaden understanding of Nepal’s diverse communities and rich cultural heritage through inter-school projects, village stays, and visits to World Heritage sites.
  • We inspire creativity by offering opportunities to learn new skills, such as basket-weaving, momo-making, and decorating Tharu huts in the Nepali Terai.
  • We cultivate compassion by supporting away-from-home experiences, understanding the needs of those in extreme poverty, and appreciating the beautiful natural world we are privileged to be a part of.

Our Yearly Plan

Year 1

Building on their Forest School experiences, our students begin participating in residential trips at a young age. These trips become longer and more distant as they progress through primary school, exploring diverse settings across Nepal. They include a range of personal challenges and foster teamwork.

In Year 1, students spend an entire day outdoors in the southern Kathmandu Valley. The day concludes with a sleepover at school, providing a supportive environment for many students experiencing their first night away from home.

Year 2

The program focuses on six core areas of learning: understanding the environment (including skills like orienteering and navigation); seasonal awareness (learning about the seasons and their impact); sustainability (taking care of the surroundings by managing plants and participating in cleanup activities); bushcraft skills (such as knot-tying, using tools, and cooking over fires); biophilia (appreciating nature through art and scientific exploration of plants and animals); and mindfulness (enjoying and connecting with the natural beauty around them through art, poetry, and meditation).

Year 3

From Year 3 onwards at SSNS, students experience increased independence by organizing and setting up their own tents during a one-night trip. This excursion, hosted at a local site, focuses on organic farming, where students gather ingredients for vegetarian meals. Activities range from basket-weaving to an evening hike with scenic mountain vistas, promoting collaboration and mutual support among students in this beautifu environment.

Year 4

In Year 4 at SSNS, students face increased challenges as they embark on a camping expedition to Hattiban Forest, located in the southwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley. This experience, set amidst the rugged hills near Champa Devi, involves orienteering, camp craft, and hill-walking challenges designed to foster confidence, teamwork, and collaboration among students.

Few Words from Parents

testimonial
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I am thrilled to share my experience with Shree Shiva Narsing Shikshyalaya, where my children are enrolled. Choosing this school was one of the best decision I’ve made. My expectations have been exceeded, and the continuous improvements are remarkable. The school feels like a second home, with a warm, nurturing environment similar to our own. The teachers and staff care for my children just as I do, ensuring top-notch hygiene, food, and care. I highly recommend this school to other parents for their children.

author
Sabitra Poudel

Asst. Professor, Paediatric Nursing

testimonial

The main reason I enrolled my child in Shree Shiva Narsing Shikshyalaya is because, at just three years old, they need a school environment that feels like home. Leaving home at such a young age is tough, so we looked for a place where the care they receive is just as good as at home. This school provides that nurturing care along with a strong educational foundation. The focus on character development and personalized learning is impressive. The bond between my child and the teachers is incredible; my child speaks so highly of them. I’m truly grateful to the staff and teachers for their dedication. Overall, this school has been an excellent choice for us.

author
Sumer Gyawali

Businessman