Timetable pressures or communication barriers across departments can sometimes make it more difficult to engage with holistic outdoor learning activities which make links across the curriculum, but opportunities definitely exist for creative and innovative teachers.
Joint planning across departments will help in ensuring meaningful and relevant experiences, many of which can still be delivered within or close to the school grounds. Also, field trips, visits abroad, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and other schemes like Youth Achievement Awards and John Muir Award have much to offer.
More challenging adventure activities will be appropriate for many groups. Typically, activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking and residential experiences provide opportunities for personal and social development and a great deal of fun. They are sometimes used to re-engage young people in the learning process and support them as they approach school leaving age. A number of schools offer Skills for Work courses with young people receiving training in rural skills such as fence building, tree planting and path work.
Approach to risk management
The important expectation that young people should take more responsibility for their own safety is built on insight and competence on the part of their leaders.
The specialised expertise required can be provided by staff from the establishment, by a local authority outdoor learning service or by an external provider. Recognising the point at which specialist partners need to be engaged is key to maintaining safety.
Find us on