LOtC Conference 2010 – Making it Happen

On 6th-7th December, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom held its second annual conference and AGM. The conference took place at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham and was attended by nearly 200 delegates who bravely battled through snow and freezing conditions to get there.

6th December LOtC Making it Happen – An alternative approach to teaching and learning

The day started with a welcome from CLOtC Chair of Trustees, Anthony Thomas and the Chief Executive of CLOtC, Beth Gardner, who introduced the key note speaker, Mick Brookes. In his capacity as a member of the CLOtC Board of Trustees and the former General Secretary of the NAHT, Mick talked about recent developments in learning outside the classroom including the very positive Ofsted response to the Select Committee report and the Lord Young Review of Health and Safety. Mick was keen to impress that it has never been more important for partners to throw their weight behind the Council and drive forward the original aims of the manifesto, that EVERY child and young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.

With the new Government agenda, schools will find they have more opportunity and freedom to integrate LOtC into their teaching and learning. Similarly, providers were challenged to push for a rise in the quality of provision through the LOtC Quality Badge Scheme. With the Lord Young Review and the Government’s commitment to reduce health and safety red tape, the LOtC Quality Badge is well placed to facilitate this. Mick’s presentation can be viewed here slides 5-13

Jane Swingler and Carolyn Freeman of Edale Rise Primary and Nursery School (regional winners of the LOtC Awards 2009), gave a presentation on the work they have done to build LOtC into the curriculum. Using examples of their LOtC projects such as growing vegetables in the school grounds, trips to the seaside and trusting children to use tools such as saws in forest schools activities, they looked at the impact that LOtC has had on its pupils, community cohesion and the overall school environment.

Along a similar theme, Steven Horsley, a board member of the CLOtC and headmaster at a Nottinghamshire based secondary school, gave an inspiring talk on the steps he had taken to give his pupils more hands-on, practical experiences. He looked at the ways LOtC can motivate students and the all round benefits to young people including building their confidence, resilience, independence and sense of responsibility.

Leszek Iwaskow, Ofsted Adviser for Geography rounded off the morning session with an inspector’s perspective on LOtC. Leszek reminded delegates of the Ofsted report: LOtC How far should you go? which articulates Ofsted’s support for LOtC. He gave some inspiring ideas and thoughts on LOtC and reviewed recent press coverage of LOtC. Leszek reinforced the idea that experiential learning enables pupils to not only remember but also understand.

During the afternoon, delegates took part in a series of workshops:

• The School Grounds – LOtC on your Back Doorstep by Julie Mountain, Learning through Landscapes;
• Engaging Places by Lydia Coelho, Engaging Places;
• Outdoor Learning Cards Activities by Martin Smith, Outdoor Education Advisor;
• Preparing for Visits in the Wild by S. Welch and C. Maxwell, RSPB;
• Partnering Culture and Education by Jennifer Bone, Penny Bull, MLA;
• Risk Benefit Assessment by Paul Airey, Outdoor Education Advisor;
• Farm Visits are Fantastic! by Bobbie Harvey, FACE
• Delivering Meaningful LOtC by Suzanne Holroyd, Blackpool Council.

If you would like more information about any of the workshops, please email enquiries@lotc.org.uk.

The evening of the 6th December saw the 3rd annual LOtC Awards for Excellence and Innovation, sponsored by TUI Education Division. Cartoonist and TV presenter Bill Tidy presided over the award ceremony and entertained guests with his quick-drawing skills. Western Springs Primary School was crowned overall national winner. Read about the winning schools.

7th December – LOtC Making it Happen: Enhancing your provision

The host for the second day of the Conference was Andy Simpson, Head of Youth and Education at RSPB. Andy welcomed delegates before introducing Mick Brookes to give the keynote speech. Mick talked about the principles and importance of LOtC before inviting delegates to discuss three key questions which lead into a question and answer session. This generated some interesting debate.

Martin Smith, Chair of the Outdoor Education Advisers Panel (OEAP), introduced the role of the OEAP and the support that its members offer to LOtC and the Quality Badge Scheme. Over 90% of Local Authority OEA advisers have endorsed the Quality Badge and recommend schools look for the badge when organising LOtC activities. Martin discussed his vision for the future of LOtC and encouraged delegates to have a positive ‘can-do’ attitude. He also gave details of useful documents and research that look at the value of LOtC and give ideas and support for quality LOtC provision.

The morning speeches also included a focus on the LOtC Quality Badge, with presentations by Emma Anderton of Southwell Minster and Diane Hedditch and Amy Wedderburn of the Parliament Education Service on their experience of applying for the Quality Badge. They looked at the impact of the badge on their organisation gave a valuable insight into the process and how it helped them to clarify their education policies and practices and review and evaluate their work.

During the afternoon, delegates again had a choice of workshops:

• Upping your Game and Marketing your Provision by Graham Lodge and Elaine Skates, CLOtC;
• LOtC can change the world, Dr Chris Loynes;
• Natural Connections – A Cross Sector Consultation by Victoria Wilcher, CLOtC;
• Defining Learning by N. Morgan and K. Gibbs, MLA;
• An Introduction to the Quality Badge by Fiona Groves

If you would like further details about any of the workshops, please email enquiries@lotc.org.uk.

The conference culminated in the CLOtC’s second Annual General Meeting.