Outdoor Learning

August 26th, 2010

Glow training for National Parks project

ahammerton

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An exciting new development is taking place next week for the local authorities and partners involved in the National Parks project.

Kingussie High School in the Cairngorms National Park has agreed to host a day of training (provided by the National Parks project and LTS) to support staff in making the best use of the National Parks Glow group. This will aid improved communication and sharing of resources, ideas and planning strategies both within and between the local authorities, and strengthen the sustainability of the project. Longer term it is also hoped that schools and individual pupils will also contribute to the group and stimulate their and others’ learning through such tools as Glow Meet and Glow Learn.

Remember also that you can find out more about the National Parks project and the various ways in which they are supporting outdoor learning and Curriculum for Excellence at their stand and their workshop (Curriculum for Excellence? It’s a walk in the Parks!) at the Scottish Learning Festival at the SECC in Glasgow on Sept 22nd and 23rd.

August 20th, 2010

West Lothian goes outdoors with their ‘Set up to Succeed’ programme

rreed

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Teachers working across West Lothian to support children and young people with autism have been taking to the outdoors with their pupils.

Staff have been working with young people to help them develop their confidence and to manage transitions. Using a progressive and supportive approach, founded on a trusting relationship with their teachers, pupils have taken part in a range of activities which have allowed them to make real leaps forward. Skilfully using the outdoors as a context for learning has enabled the young people to develop more flexible ways of thinking, improved their confidence and skills in language and helped them to develop socially and deal with relationships.

Principal Teacher, Tom Wallace, says that he has seen real benefits for the young people when they return to school to work with their peers and other staff. In some cases they are able to communicate and deal with situations which they would have otherwise found very difficult. Key to this success is being able to set young people achievable goals and making sure that their successes are celebrated. This builds trust and allows them to deal with one challenge at a time.

The value of this work is clear to see and Education Officer, Doreen McPhail, believes that this work plays a critical role in the authorities approach to supporting young people with autism. Making the most of partnerships has helped to support the programme, for example by working with foresters from Forestry Commission Scotland.

August 10th, 2010

Outdoor learning at the Scottish Learning Festival

ahammerton

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The outdoor learning team will be making a prominent appearance at the SLF this year, on 22nd and 23rd September at the SECC in Glasgow.

A seminar looking at the guidance and support for outdoor learning is already fully booked (All who wonder are not lost), and there is a workshop focusing on the National Parks project (Curriculum for Excellence? It’s a walk in the Parks!) as well as a spotlight session for schools to highlight their excellent work in delivering Curriculum for Excellence outdoors through a whole school approach.

As well as these look out for a number of other workshops with a clear focus on outdoor learning. Browse the online programme and book for your free attendance at http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/slf/. The outdoor learning team will also be in attendance at the LTS stand on 22nd September between 9 am and 10 am, and on 23rd September at a time to be confirmed. Come and meet us there!