Wider achievement in the context of outdoor learning

In this session we aim to outline the many ways in which outdoor learning supports wider achievement through recognised awards systems such as John Muir Award and Duke of Edinburgh, ASDAN and junior rangers programmes. The use of awards is successfully built into the school curriculum for whole year groups in both secondary and primary settings, and the mechanisms for this and the values which ensue are explored.

Also, outdoor learning can provide stimulating settings for assessing learning in different contexts, and observing and recording progression in skills and capacities. With an exemplar of using the John Muir Award and how it can be embedded into a whole-school approach, utilising e-portfolios to support planning, review and self evaluation as well as assessment, this workshop will appeal to upper primary, secondary and local authority staff from all curricular areas.

Alison Hammerton, Development Officer, Outdoor Learning, Education Scotland / National Parks

From a background of teaching secondary Geography, Alison took up the position of Development Officer for Outdoor Learning in the National Parks in January 2010. A keen mountain biker, hiker and rugby player, she draws experiences from teaching in a range of schools in Scotland, the UK and New Zealand.

Additional speaker: Alan Smith