Using Learning Outside the Classroom to become “Outstanding” Beth Gardner, Chief Executive Council for Learning Outside the Classroom

What is Learning Outside the Classroom? Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Getting children and young people out and about Providing them with a variety of challenging and exciting experiences to help them learn We define Learning Outside the Classroom as: “The use of places other than the classroom for teaching & learning.”

Where does LOtC happen? Council for Learning Outside the Classroom School grounds Local woods, parks & nature reserves City farms & community gardens Street & townscapes Field study & environmental centres Farms & the countryside Zoos & botanic gardens More remote wild & adventurous places Places of worship & sacred spaces Heritage & cultural sites Museums, theatres, galleries & music venues Libraries & archives Cultural, language & fieldwork visits & expeditions abroad

Why is LOtC a good thing? Council for Learning Outside the Classroom There is clear evidence to show the benefits of Learning Outside the Classroom It is not only about what we learn but importantly how & where we learn It is about choosing the best place for impactful learning: –Not just in the classroom…but –Beyond the classroom door –Beyond the school gate

LOtC - Proven benefits Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Challenge and adventure Attainment and achievement Reduces truancy Remotivates disengaged young people Improves behaviour Personal, social & emotional development Health Expands horizons Employment skills

Ofsted supports LOtC Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Getting out and about should be a vital part of every child’s school life and for many people educational visits are among their fondest and most vivid childhood memories A classroom environment doesn’t always provide young people with the real world experiences they need Memorable activities lead to memorable learning “When planned and implemented well, learning outside the classroom contributed significantly to raising standards & improving pupils’ personal, social & emotional development.” Learning outside the classroom: How far should you go? Ofsted Report (October 2008)

How LOtC sits within the new Ofsted framework LOtC can contribute significantly to quality of education and therefore sits well with the new inspection framework priorities: 1.Supports the achievement of pupils 2.Helps improve quality of teaching 3.Integrated LOtC demonstrates strong leadership & management 4. Improves behaviour &motivates disengaged pupils

A fun day out? ‘ The more LOtC is planned and integrated, the more beneficial it is.’ Ofsted Learning Outside the Classroom: How Far Should You Go? (2008)

Think about the whole curriculum Don’t think about individual lessons or even individual topics. - What would happen if you started with a clean slate? What do you want your pupils to achieve? How can LOtC help with that? Talk to the providers about learning outcomes Would this lesson be better taught outside the classroom? Think creatively

Countless opportunities exist for simple and inexpensive LOtC in your school grounds and local community Think about: Mathematical characteristics of buildings or natural features: shapes, angles, patterns, measuring, numbering Creative spaces: role play, historical re-enactments or inspiration for creative writing Historical features Geographical features: geology, lie of the land, signage, maps, directions Spaces where temporary outdoor classrooms could be set up Use your senses: sight, sound, smell, touch to identify opportunities Identify the opportunities

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom We believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.

Endorsed by OEAs Good quality educational experience Robust health and safety procedures Less red tape and paperwork! LOtC Quality Badge –

Supports schools in developing their LOtC offer to enable all children to access meaningful LOtC Three levels – Gold, Silver, Bronze Guidance to help schools to progress through the levels to express interest in Or visit LOtC Mark

From CLOtC Join as a member for access to information & ideas CLOtC Networks LOtC Resource Packs Training and CPD Elsewhere... Local Authority Outdoor Education Advisor Various groups concentrating on a specialist area of interest: Learning Through Landscapes, Growing Schools, Forest Schools, FACE See Other support...

Further information Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Websites: