Taking Learning Out of Doors

Curriculum for Excellence recognises that learning is embedded in experience. Outdoor learning is hands-on and direct, and the knowledge that pupils gain from it is real, first-hand and often unforgettable. 

In addition to supporting academic achievement and increasing levels of environmental awareness, outdoor learning has many other benefits for schools and pupils. 

These benefits include improved communications and social skills, increase motivation to learn and improved mental and physical health.

The Outdoor Connections development programme, based in Learning Teaching Scotland and initiated by the then Minister for Education and Young People, reported in 2007. 

It argued for the critical importance of experiential outdoor learning, especially in the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence. 

It called for further work to be undertaken to over come the barriers to outdoor learning, and to provide all children and young people across all school subject areas with opportunities to learn outdoors regularly. 

This seminar will report on progress, and will showcase good practice.