1. Martin Gilchrist The Natural Connections Demonstration Project 2012-2016

2. 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

3. 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
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4. 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

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

6. 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
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. 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
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11. 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
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12. 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

13. Overcoming the initial challenges
staff lacking confidence in working outside
uncertainty in linking outdoor learning to the curriculum
lack of funding
time
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14. 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.
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15. 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)
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16. 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

17. 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.
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18. 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.
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19. 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)
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20. Further Information ~~~
Natural England:
~~~
Plymouth University:
Natural Connections Final Report:
Transforming Outdoor Learning in Schools:
@ntrlconnections
#outdoorlearning

21. Thank you
To everyone who has been involved in the projct