Outdoor Education Advisers' Panel

LAUNCH OF OUT-OF-CLASSROOM LEARNING GUIDE
RGS 17th May

LAUNCH OF OUT-OF-CLASSROOM LEARNING GUIDE

Out-of-classroom learning experiences should be the right of every British child, the Real World Learning campaign will say at the launch of a new guide for schools and teachers.

The report ‘Out-of-Classroom Learning: practical information and guidance for schools and teachers’, will be launched at a dinner tonight at Royal Geographical Society in London [Wednesday 17 May], hosted by the Real World Learning campaign partnership. It offers advice on a wide range of educational experiences away from the classroom and provides useful tips to teachers and others on educational visits [note 2].

Barry Sheerman MP, Chairman of the Education & Skills Select Committee, said: “Out-of-classroom learning makes a unique contribution to a child’s education and offers many varied benefits to them, not least developing a sense of place and wonder for the world around them.

“This booklet outlines a wide range of out-of-classroom opportunities available to all children and a wealth of useful guidance to teachers and organisers of trips. I welcome it, and the ongoing work of the Real World Learning Partnership, whole-heartedly.”

The guide is published at a time when the education sector eagerly awaits the Government manifesto on out-of-classroom education. The Real World Learning partnership is urging the Government to make learning in the natural environment an integral part and looks to it to support teachers and to address some of the barriers.

The Real World Learning partners believe there is no substitute for learning in the outdoors. It broadens children’s outlook, improves their motivation and personal and inter-personal skills. Everyone can remember what it felt like the first time they went hunting for bugs, were lost in a maze, or tried paddling a canoe.

The partnership believes the Government needs to act now to tackle the barriers currently stopping children getting out of the classroom to learn, which include:

•    an over-crowded curriculum
•    fear of accidents and litigation
•    low profile of the benefits of out-of-classroom learning
•    the cost of visits and transports for some schools

Anthony Thomas, Chair of the Real World Learning Campaign, said: “These issues have to be addressed as children cannot learn by text books and computers alone. They need to experience the real world for themselves if they are to truly understand their role within it and the part they can play in its future. Without change, children will continue to miss out on invaluable learning opportunities.”

Photographs from the dinner will be available from the RSPB press office. Please contact Caroline Osborne on 01767 681577.

Additional notes:

1. The Real World Learning Partnership includes the RSPB, Association for Science Education, Field Studies Council, Geographical Association, Historical Association, The National Trust, Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel, PGL Travel Ltd, Royal Geographical Society with IBG, The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and The Wildlife Trusts. They have worked together since 2003 to encourage out-of-classroom learning, support teachers and influence decision makers. Combined they have a membership close to five million.

2. The report will be mailed to 25,000 schools and outdoor educational providers. via the OEAP. A copy of the report is also available on the OEAP website,

3. Stephen Brown Chair and Graham Lodge attended the launch event and dinner at RGS on behalf of OEAP.

 

 

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