Martin Gilchrist The Natural Connections Demonstration Project 2012-2016

Project Context The UK Government Policy Paper The Natural Choice (2011) pledged to ‘remove barriers to learning outdoors and increase schools’ abilities to teach outdoors when they wish to do so’ The Natural Connections Demonstration Project was established to address this #outdoorlearning

Project Objectives To stimulate demand for outdoor learning from schools in areas of high deprivation To support schools with building outdoor learning into their planning and practices To stimulate supply of outdoor learning services for schools and teachers #outdoorlearning

Distributed model #NCDP16 #outdoorlearning Central Team 5 hub leaders. beacon schools cluster of schools outdoor learning team per school outdoor learning team per school beacon school beacon School Distributed model #NCDP16 #outdoorlearning

Results – scale 125 schools 40,000 pupils 2,500 teachers 350 volunteers

Results – impact on outdoor learning in schools A statistically significant increase in the time schools spent on outdoor learning, in all terms Increase in outdoor learning sustained Outdoor learning used across the curriculum particularly in core subjects – English, maths and science #outdoorlearning

Results – impact on pupils 95% - lessons more enjoyable 94% - greater understanding of nature 93% - improves social skills 92% - engages pupils with learning 92% - improves health and wellbeing 85% - positive impact on behaviour #outdoorlearning

Health and Wellbeing 92% of schools reported a positive impact on pupil health and wellbeing Attributed to: space to reflect, escaping the pressure and being physically active #outdoorlearning

Pupil’s Character 93% - improves social skills 92% - engages pupils with learning 85% - positive impact on behaviour Attributed to: opportunities for leadership, risk, confidence and self esteem, motivation, communication, teamwork and kindness #outdoorlearning

Enjoyment of Lessons 92% of schools reported a positive impact on pupils’ enjoyment of lessons Attributed to: new experiences, practical context, chance to learn in different ways, opportunity to succeed #outdoorlearning

Attainment 57% of schools reported a positive impact on pupil attainment Attributed to: improved health and wellbeing, development of non-cognitive skills and increased enjoyment #outdoorlearning

Results – positive impacts on teachers 79% - teaching practice 72% - health and wellbeing 69% - job satisfaction 69% - professional development Thank you all! [outdoor learning] has kept us sane in an increasingly mad, mad educational world teacher #outdoorlearning

Overcoming the initial challenges staff lacking confidence in working outside uncertainty in linking outdoor learning to the curriculum lack of funding time   #outdoorlearning

Transforming outdoor learning in schools Getting the whole school on board with outdoor learning Outdoor learning needs to be supported by senior leaders, governors and a knowledgeable and enthusiastic outdoor learning lead who can inspire others. #outdoorlearning

Transforming outdoor learning in schools Collaboration and networking ‘There is nothing more powerful than having another teacher say … This is how I did it! … And understanding how that teacher overcame different challenges’ (Hub leader) #outdoorlearning

Transforming outdoor learning in schools Developing school grounds and making use of local spaces for outdoor learning Schools concentrated on working in and developing their school grounds for outdoor learning where possible. This enabled them to build their confidence and practice in a familiar and controlled environment. #outdoorlearning

Transforming outdoor learning in schools Continuing Professional Development (CPD) All schools and teachers know the importance of CPD in developing their practice and understanding in a fast changing educational environment. CPD was a central part of the Natural Connections Project. #outdoorlearning

Transforming outdoor learning in schools Demonstrating successful learning This presented its own set of challenges for schools as pupils may not record work in books in the same way as in class, and evidencing progress for those who have not seen pupils’ work first-hand can be tricky. #outdoorlearning

Transforming outdoor learning in schools Can be low cost Every single subject in the curriculum has been delivered outside…the benefits are massive in terms of student behaviour and teacher motivation… and the schools involvement in the project has cost less than we spend on tea and coffee! Assistant Head (secondary school) #outdoorlearning

Further Information ~~~ Natural England: Jim.Burt@naturalengland.org.uk Martin.Gilchrist@naturalengland.org.uk ~~~ Plymouth University: S.J.Waite@plymouth.ac.uk Natural Connections Final Report: www.gov.uk Transforming Outdoor Learning in Schools: www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/oelres-net www.naturalconnectionsblog.wordpress.com @ntrlconnections #outdoorlearning

Thank you To everyone who has been involved in the projct