On 7 February 2006, a launch event, the Outdoor Connections National Conference, was held at the West Park Conference Centre in Dundee to highlight the possibilities for learning and pupil motivation in taking learning outwith the classroom. The event was chaired by scientist and broadcaster Heather Reid. A conference programme of speakers, information stalls by pupils and teachers and discussion sessions gave professionals from many different establishments the opportunity to discuss and review the potential of teachers and outdoor instructors working together to achieve their aims.
For a summary of the main speakers' points, read the attached article. PowerPoints, transcripts and MP3s of some of the presentations are available below. A summarised account of the round-table discussions is also available.
| Time | Description | File |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive, Learning and Teaching Scotland: Welcome | |
| 10:10 | Robert Brown MSP, Deputy Minister for Education and Young People: Keynote speech | |
| 10:30 | Colin Brown, Scottish Executive Education Department: A Curriculum for Excellence Outdoors | |
| 10:45 | Don Ledingham, East Lothian Council: A Curriculum for Excellence Outdoors: a headteacher perspective | |
| 11:00 | Collydean Primary School, Perth High School, Breadalbane Academy and Falla Hill Primary School: Views of young people | |
| 11:30 | Alastair Lavery, Chair of the Sustainable Development Education Liaison Group: Real fieldwork happens in a field | |
| 12:00 | Round-table discussion: Is outdoor learning relevant in 21st century Scotland? | |
| 12:30 | Lunch and exhibition | |
| 13:30 | Marcus Bailie, Head of Inspection, Adventure Activities Licensing Authority: The dilemma facing adventure activities in Scotland | |
| 13:50 | Round-table discussion: The hazard of not learning to take risks | |
| 14:10 | Peter Higgins, Edinburgh University: Navigating the barriers? Teachers' approaches to educating outdoors | |
| 14:30 | Round-table discussion: Supporting teachers | |
| 14:50 | Donald MacLeod, HMIE: Quality education outdoors | |
| 15:10 | Round-table discussion: Quality or cost: is one easier to measure than the other? | |
| 15:40 | David Cameron, Director of Children's Services, Stirling Council
and Chair of the Outdoor Connections Project Advisory Group: Closing remarks |
For a more in-depth look at the problem of the perception of risk in adventure activities, read this article by Marcus Bailie.