Welcome to this support page for trainee teachers.
Below we will direct you to different areas of our website that will help you to understand what LOtC is, why it is important to the young people you are working with and how you can implement it. We are also giving you free access to some of our membership resources as requested by your university/college.
If you would like access to all our resources, including further recorded CPD, activity ideas, live online sharing good practice sessions and discounts off our National Conference and other organisations then please sign up as a student member.
Developing your understanding of LOtC
To start developing your understanding of what learning beyond the classroom (LOtC) is, visit these webpages –
Now watch and read our ‘Learning Beyond – Starting your LOtC Journey‘ video and guide to give you a greater understanding of how to use LOtC to support your students to thrive and achieve.
For anyone teaching in Wales, hear from LOtC Quality Badge holder Nature Days on how to embed LOtC into the Welsh Curriculum.is webpage
School grounds as an alternative learning environment
Although we refer to LOtC as all learning happening beyond the classroom, as a new teacher the first step is normally using the school grounds as an alternative learning environment. It is essential that you consider why you are taking your learning outside the classroom – not just because it is a nice day, but because it will enhance your learning objectives: be that curriculum knowledge, personal or skill development.
Watch these two videos to give you some ideas of how to approach using your grounds and to access some nature connection activities that are a great first step. And read the ‘Learning Beyond – Using your school grounds‘ guide.
Using your local learning area and going further afield
Once you have built your confidence teaching in your school grounds you can take your lessons into the local learning area and then further afield. We highly recommend that all teaching staff undertake Visit Leader Training which is run by your local Outdoor Education/ Educational Visit Advisor.
Find out more through these guides and video..
Support for the schools/settings you are working with
As well as student membership to support you, we also offer three levels of support for the schools/settings you are working in. Find out more below and please share the information with your placements.
