Children as young as three are learning Mandarin and Spanish through outdoor play at an Edinburgh nursery and junior school which is challenging the idea that learning has to happen sitting behind a desk.
At The Forest at Merchiston, Mandarin lessons can involve games of hide-and-seek, with children learning to count and call out in the language as they play outdoors.
The co-educational nursery and junior school, which opened at Merchiston Castle School in 2024 for children aged three to 10, has introduced weekly Mandarin and Spanish lessons for every child from nursery upwards.
Mandarin, which has more native speakers than any other language in the world, and Spanish were chosen for their global reach, introducing children to languages from an early age and preparing them for an increasingly international world.
Families will have the chance to experience the approach for themselves at The Forest’s Open Morning on Saturday 31 October, when children will be able to try Mandarin through play alongside exploring the school and its outdoor learning environment.
The language programme forms part of a wider approach at The Forest, which combines a strong academic curriculum with extensive outdoor learning. Mud play, hikes, building, growing and exploring the natural world all become opportunities to learn, with the school’s extensive grounds used as an extension of the classroom.
Davina Bowers, Head of The Forest, said: “Children at this age are like sponges. It is the best time to start a new language because they absorb it naturally and don’t yet have that sense of something sounding different or unfamiliar.
“Mandarin and Spanish are two of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and introducing them from nursery is about preparing children for an increasingly international future.
“Everything we do is through play, movement and experience, so during Mandarin that can mean learning numbers and words while playing hide-and-seek outside.
“We are still absolutely a school and have high academic expectations for every child. What is different is how we deliver that education. Children learn incredibly well when they are active, engaged and interested in what they’re doing.”
The Forest is also planning immersive language and culture days across its junior school, using activities including mock restaurants, food and national dress to bring languages to life.
Ms Bowers added: “There is huge demand from parents for outdoor nursery provision, but too often that approach stops when a child starts school. We couldn’t see why something that works so well for young children should suddenly disappear.
“Our children still learn the curriculum, but the outdoors becomes another classroom. The aim is that they develop academically while also building confidence, independence and the ability to solve problems for themselves.”
Families can meet the team, explore The Forest and take part in Mandarin and outdoor activities at the Open Morning on Saturday 31 October.
To book a place, visit:
https://www.merchiston.co.uk/event/forest-open-day-31-october-2026/