BCS takes part in a research project on outdoor teaching
The Berlin Cosmopolitan School is taking part in a pioneering research project at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in the 2025/2026 school year. The aim of the collaboration is to systematically explore the potential of outdoor learning and to integrate the findings into educational practice.
The research focuses on three central aspects: the effect of different natural learning locations on learning, the perception of stress among pupils and teachers and the closeness of learners to nature. The Technical University of Munich is contributing its scientific expertise in the fields of environmental education and educational research, while the Berlin Cosmopolitan School is providing valuable practical perspectives with its many years of experience in outdoor education.
A particular focus of the study is the ecological analysis of the outdoor learning spaces used by the school. The extent to which differences in biodiversity affect the quality of learning and the engagement of pupils will be analysed. At the same time, the project is investigating whether and how outdoor learning can reduce the stress levels of those involved and promote general well-being.
In addition, the impact of regular outdoor lessons on pupils’ environmental awareness and closeness to nature will be investigated. Can direct experience in nature help to promote sustainable attitudes and behaviour?
The study is conducted in two phases: First, the various outdoor learning locations are analysed and documented once. This will be followed by regular questionnaire surveys over the course of the school year in order to continuously record the impact of outdoor learning.
‘We are delighted to be part of this pioneering research project,’ says headteacher Yvonne Wende. ‘The results will not only enrich our own practice, but also provide important impetus for a healthy, sustainable and innovative educational landscape.’
With its involvement, the Berlin Cosmopolitan School is once again emphasising its pioneering role in the field of holistic education and nature education.
About the Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Preschool and Kindergarten
The Berlin Cosmopolitan School is changing the traditional way schools and kindergartens work with different approaches to learning in the areas of nature and environmental protection, sports, new work, culture, dance, music and art and much more. The aim of the independent school, preschool and kindergarten is to bring all students along according to their abilities.
“When school motivates, everyone learns more” is the conviction of the Berlin Cosmopolitan School. Regular outdoor learning, sports activities and competitions, digital projects such as robotics, internships from grade 6, music-making from kindergarten age, dance clubs, bilingual education and much more help the children to discover and develop their own preferences and abilities.
Important concerns of the Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Kindergarten and Preschool are social justice, equal opportunities in education and a balanced community. The school regularly awards scholarships to students and accepts refugees. Through its established network and internationally trained staff, the educational institution has the opportunity to explore new educational paths for every age group.
The Berlin Cosmopolitan School was founded in 2003 as a non-profit organisation by Yvonne Wende. In 2004, the first bilingual (English-German) kindergarten and preschool opened for Berlin-Mitte with 18 children. Shortly after, the primary school started and most recently, in 2009, the accredited bilingual Gymnasium of Berlin Cosmopolitan School 01P22. Since then, the number of students has steadily increased. Approximately 1,000 students from all over the world are now being taught on the Rückerstraße and Invalidenstraße campuses. The kindergarten has grown to a number of more than 300 children between the ages of 1 and 6.
In 2013, Berlin Cosmopolitan School was accredited as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, first for primary school and also for the Gymnasium. The IB Learner Profile is about developing children and young people into lifelong learners. The school and kindergarten use primary experiences to design lessons.
