Experiential Learning Outdoors

This course is part of the Outdoor Learning Series for teachers and outdoor educators being delivered by FSC, three courses providing insights into different aspects of outdoor learning, all taking place at inspiring locations in Scotland. This course offers a hands-on experience of learning with our senses from popular approaches such as forest schools and earth education, to more recent methods using guided meditations and nature immersion activities.

A hands-on experience of learning with our senses from popular approaches such as forest schools and earth education, to more recent methods using guided meditations and nature immersion activities.

Young people of all ages benefit from real life ‘hands on’ experiences. Seeing, hearing, touching and exploring the world help young people connect what they learn in school to their life outside it and to the world around them. Learning outside the classroom (LOtC) has the aim of improving students’ knowledge of a subject and to develop skills, values and personal development which are vital element of a students learning and achievement.

There is a strong connection between LOtC and performance in the classroom. It supports several curriculum areas including geography, biology, citizenship, ICT and sustainable development. Scotland’s curriculum for excellence offers opportunities for all children and young people to enjoy first-hand experiences outdoors.

The course is suitable for teachers and educators with a passion for learning about the natural world and is taking place at Kindrogan Field Centre which is set in wooded grounds on the banks of the River Ardle in the picturesque Scottish Highlands.  Workshops during the course will include:

Learning Outside the Classroom: An introduction to the course, outdoor learning and key elements in delivering successful outdoor learning.

Observing Wildlife: A morning spent observing local wildlife and asking how we can integrate first-hand experiences into our teaching and learning.

John Muir Award: The leading wild land conservation organisation in the UK, we shall explore the John Muir environmental award scheme focused on wild places and visit their Wild Space centre. The award scheme encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.

Visit to Local Primary School: We shall visit Kirkmichael school which has been awarded the Eco Schools Green Flag. We shall meet with teachers and students to see how they use their outdoor spaces for learning.

Forest Schools: The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through an innovative, long term, educational approach to outdoor play and learning in a woodland environment.

Team Building: Using our low ropes course we will explore different ways the outdoors can be used for team building and personal development.

Natural Connections: fun and achievement in the Outdoors: Fife Council's own outdoor learning programme combining four traditional 'outdoor education' elements and two environmental elements, with strong links to Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence.

Planning Outdoor Learning: Using the Real World Learning model we will explore how to plan outdoor learning and develop your own progammes to take home.

Saturday 02 April to Friday 08 April 2016

For more details and to apply visit us here.