1. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
Sally Thompson
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom 1

2. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom

3. What do we mean by Learning Outside the Classroom?
‘The use of places other than the classroom for
teaching & learning.’ 3

5. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark
Recognise existing exemplary provision and assist and support schools in developing their LOtC offer 5

6. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark levels
An awareness of the benefits of frequent, continuous and progressive LOtC
A strong commitment to providing frequent, continuous and progressive LOtC to all pupils
Exemplary LOtC provision; the school is a leader in providing frequent, continuous and progressive LOtC to all pupils 6

7. LOtC Mark application procedures
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark application procedures
Bronze & Silver Level
Self Evaluation Form with a cross-referenced electronic evidence portfolio
A desktop audit; followed by on- site assessment for 10% of successful applicants
The award is valid for two years
Gold Level
Self Evaluation Form without supporting evidence
Desktop audit pre-assessment
100% on-site assessment before accreditation
The award is valid for four years 7

8. LOtC Mark – key guidance
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark – key guidance
LOtC Mark assesses only the LOtC opportunities offered to all pupils as part of the delivery of the curriculum. Please bear the following important points in mind when writing your application:
External visits are very important; however more informal, everyday LOtC activities are equally important and should be outlined clearly at every opportunity in your application
Extra-curricular and other ‘opt-in’ activities aren’t appropriate evidence for LOtC Mark
PE doesn’t fall under the remit of LOtC Mark 8

9. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark criteria
Assess the processes in place to support good quality LOtC
Not prescriptive, schools will meet the criteria in their own ways 9

10. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark criteria
The organisation has a stated commitment to providing and developing LOtC experiences for all pupils
Clear communication the school’s commitment to LOtC, both internally and externally
Integrating LOtC into the policies and procedures of the school
Providing strong LOtC leadership
Encouraging parents and guardians to engage with LOtC
Encouraging and supporting staff to use LOtC as a teaching tool
Inclusion 10

11. LOtC Mark criteria 2. The organisation plans learning effectively
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark criteria
2. The organisation plans learning effectively
Strategic planning to include and develop LOtC throughout the school
Short and medium-term planning to ensure LOtC delivery is frequent, continuous and progressive
Effective preparation and follow-up to LOtC activities
Specific learning outcomes for each activity
A range of different experiences offered
Pupils actively involved in planning their own learning through LOtC 11

12. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark criteria
The organisation makes use of all available resources in designing & delivering LOtC
Creative use of what is available
Creating more opportunities by forging links with the community and other organisations
Providing suitable protective clothing
Ensuring that staff share their expertise and have access to appropriate CPD 12

13. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark criteria
The organisation effectively monitors and evaluates the impact of LOtC
Monitoring non-academic outcomes
Communicating improvements internally and externally
Evaluating the success of LOtC according to outcomes for individual children 13

14. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark criteria
The organisation manages risk and the perception of risk effectively
Managing the perception of risk
Risk benefit assessment
Standard procedures and parental consent in place for everyday activities
Simple and direct policies and procedures
Risk aware not risk averse 14

15. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
LOtC Mark criteria
The organisation is actively engaged in promoting the benefits of LOtC
LOtC Mark (Gold) award holders are ambassadors for LOtC
Celebrate achievements within school and the local community
Contribute to local and national LOtC education 15

16. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
Further information:
For information and resources: 16