What is Hands-On Learning Day?
Hands-On Learning Day is an annual, educator-led celebration of experiential learning that engages students through doing, making, experimenting and reflecting.
On the day, teachers choose one or more hands-on activities to highlight learning in action, sharing stories, photos or reflections from their classrooms.
Registered schools receive a free digital Celebration Pack to support participation and become official We Support Hands-On Learning Advocates.
This day is about:
- Celebrating great teaching already happening
- Encouraging educators to explore hands-on approaches
- Making learning more engaging, meaningful and memorable for students
Why hands-on learning matters
Research and classroom experience consistently show that students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process.
Hands-on learning:
- Deepens understanding through experience
- Boosts engagement and motivation
- Supports diverse learning styles
- Builds problem-solving, collaboration and confidence
- Makes learning more meaningful and memorable
Hands-On Learning Day exists to champion these benefits — and the educators who make them possible every day.
Who can take part?
Hands-On Learning Day is open to all learning communities, including:
- Early years learning centres
- Primary and secondary schools
- Specialist and support settings
- School libraries and learning hubs
Whether you’re running a full-day project or a single hands-on activity, every contribution matters.
What you’ll receive when you register
Registered schools will receive a free Hands-On Learning Day Celebration Pack before the day, including:
- Hands-on learning activity ideas
- Printable certificates and posters
- School newsletter templates
- Social media templates and the official hashtag
- A copy of our logo and permission to use it in your school communications
Everything is designed to be simple, flexible and teacher friendly.
How to get involved
- Register your school to take part
- Choose a hands-on learning activity that suits your students
- Celebrate learning in action on the day
- Share your story on Instagram using #WeSupportHandsOnLearningDay
- Receive recognition and be featured across our community
When is Hands-On Learning Day?
Hands-On Learning Day takes place on Thursday, 20 May 2027.
Going forward, the day will be celebrated on the third Thursday of May each year, creating a consistent annual moment for schools to recognise and celebrate hands-on learning.
Positioned in early Term 2, the day offers a timely opportunity to champion meaningful teaching practices before the busyness of mid-year assessments and events.
Celebrating our learning community
Hands-On Learning Day is about visibility, recognition and shared learning.
Participating schools may be featured through:
- Community galleries and spotlights
- Teacher stories and case studies
- Digital certificates and badges
- Post-event highlights and wrap-ups
Together, we’re building a growing movement that values learning by doing.
Supported by education partners
Hands-On Learning Day is proudly supported by education organisations who share a commitment to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students.
These partners help amplify educator voices and support classroom practice without taking centre stage.
