Beyond the battlefield: what a Nerf war teaches our learners

AT Global Village Learning (GVL), we know that powerful learning doesn’t just happen at a desk. Sometimes, it looks like laughter, movement – and a few foam darts flying through the air.

As we wrap up a focused learning sprint, our community marks the moment with something that looks like play but is deeply intentional: a Nerf war. It might seem like just a game, but at GVL, it’s a celebration of who we are and what we value.

This kind of experience is all about connection, empowerment and a spirit of adventure. During a Nerf war, learners of all ages team up, plan strategies and navigate fast-paced challenges. They’re not just having fun; they’re building communication skills, learning to collaborate and developing leadership skills in real time. It’s also a chance to stretch their social-emotional muscles. In a safe and playful environment, learners explore what it means to take risks, make decisions and manage group dynamics.

The Nerf war was part of a larger, end-of-season (term) celebration – GVL’s Medieval Mayhem. From apple bobbing and hobby horse jousting to the inaugural GVL raft competition, it was a full-costume, all-ages celebration. What made it truly special was the whole-of-community atmosphere: families, guides, grandparents, volunteers and learners from every developmental hub came together for spirited, well-natured games, music and shared laughter. It was the kind of event that brings everyone together to play, laugh and get in touch with their inner child.

Peter Hutton, executive director at GVL, summed up the energy and meaning of the day.

“It’s moments like this where the learning is loud and very real – even if it looks messy, chaotic, or unconventional. These events show what happens when you trust young people to exercise responsibility for themselves and others within a high-action low-stakes setting,” he said.

Pip Cleaves, associate principal at GVL, reflected on the value of these moments. “These events embody what we mean by learner-led, guide-supported experiences. Whether they’re negotiating battle strategy or constructing a raft, learners are navigating complexity, embracing failure, and exercising agency – this is what personalised, empowered learning really looks like,” she said.

Violet (age 9) was really excited.

“Bullets were flying everywhere and bouncing off my armour,” she said.

“I worked with my Dad the night before to make my costume. We used foam, hot glue and three coats of paint.”

As our new season (school term) begins, we look back fondly on the shared memories – even if it meant picking up thousands of foam darts together.

At GVL, a Nerf war wasn’t a ‘break’ from learning – it’s a powerful, intentional part of it. At GVL, real learning doesn’t always sit still – it moves, builds, questions, and sometimes gets a little messy.

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