The benefits of a Rockley College Learning Environment

With a campus located on the beach, in an area that offers direct access to the outdoors, Rockley College provides sports students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences, access to outdoor spaces and a range of benefits that are both educational and beneficial to student well-being.

For sports degree students, practical learning is key. Outdoor spaces and access to diverse environments provide students the chance to engage directly with real sports scenarios and environments. Rockley’s campus on the beach on the shores of Poole Harbour, along with its satellite centres – Buddens Activity Centre in Wareham and Poole Park Lake combined with their proximity to the Purbecks and the unique Jurassic Coast, all serve as real-life "classrooms" giving students the opportunity to gain unique learning experiences.

Outdoor learning environments can inspire a deep respect for nature and encourage students to adopt sustainable practices in their future careers. By learning in an environment that they directly interact with, students become more attuned to environmental responsibilities.

Access to the outdoors has significant mental health benefits, especially for college students who may feel stressed or pressured by academic demands. Being outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost mental clarity.

Clare Hicks, Head of Education at Rockley College, commented: “I have worked in a ‘traditional’ college campus and have seen a significance difference in people’s attitude here at Rockley. Being so close to the water and the beach and having the access to much more beyond the classroom creates a real sense of well-being. This is significantly reflected in the work our students produce and their levels of motivation in the long-term.”

A smaller college setting, like that of Rockley College, contributes positively to a students’ educational experience. In this smaller setting, students form closer relationships with both their peers and their teachers. Clare added: “At Rockley, the intimate setting of Rockley College creates a more supportive learning environment, where students feel seen and valued, enhancing both their personal and professional growth.”

Students often refer to the Rockley’s teaching team as taking a more ‘adult-like’ approach to both their teaching and their attitude towards students. With the campus located alongside a working activity centre, Rockley College creates a very different environment to most other colleges which tend to maintain a more ‘school-like’ environment. Students really favour this kind of environment and it is reflected in their attitude towards their peers, their teachers and their learning.