Taking Learning Outdoors

Outdoor Learning Strategic Advisory Group

Photo of two primary age boys running through forest, other people in the background

Key tasks

The key tasks of the Outdoor Learning Strategic Advisory Group (OLSAG) are to:

  • Promote a national understanding of the nature and potential of outdoor learning based on the work of the 'Outdoor Connections Programme' definition, ie the outdoor classroom is a setting; outdoor education is a process in which educators, students and others take part; and outdoor learning is that learning which accrues as a result.
  • Explore what needs to be done at national and local level to support schools in using the outdoors as an extension of the classroom.
  • Develop advice/tools to overcome the main barriers to outdoor learning as identified in Taking Learning Outdoors, Partnership for Excellence, and the summary of the LTS/SNH funded research.
  • Demonstrate how outdoor learning can make a significant contribution to achieving the experiences and outcomes across all areas of the 3-18 curriculum for all pupils.
  • Develop advice/tools to help plan children's learning in the outdoor environment in the early years. This could include promoting good examples of opportunities for children to explore the natural world and their local environment.
  • Improve equality of access to outdoor learning in schools and through a residential experience, and consider the potential contribution of philanthropic input.
  • Share good examples across the country and encourage schools to provide more opportunities for outdoor learning, including a Curriculum for Excellence focused five-day residential experience.

OLSAG recognises that a number of work streams, which could draw on expertise not represented in the Group, are needed to take these tasks forward.

The remit

The remit of OLSAG is to provide clear strategic advice and leadership on learning beyond the classroom, in all its forms, which is consistent with:

  • the experiences and outcomes for the 3-18 curriculum
  • 'Building the Curriculum 3: A framework for learning and teaching'
  • the terms of the Concordat between the Scottish Government and COSLA.

The two outcomes of the Group are:

  • schools providing sustainable opportunities for all children and young people to learn outdoors on a day-to-day basis throughout their learning
  • outdoor learning in which all children and young people experience enjoyment, support and challenge with clear links to the curriculum.