The CLOtC Conference was back with a bang for 2023, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The day featured captivating speeches, engaging workshops, inspiring discussion groups, safari tours, surprise awards and more. It was a fantastic event that brought together educational professionals, providers of learning outside the classroom (LOtC), sector leaders and press, for a day of learning, sharing best practice and networking – all at the incredible, LOtC Quality Badge holder, West Midland Safari Park.
Inspiring speakers
We were delighted to have Paul Rose back to host the event again this year. Paul is a true champion of LOtC and talked about how having opportunities to learn outside the classroom has shaped his own life and enabled him to succeed. As ever, Paul did a brilliant job hosting the day, we’re really grateful to him.
The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Achieving quality learning beyond the classroom’ which our first key-note speaker, author and former Headteacher, Professor Mick Waters, focused on in his speech. Mick held the attention of all in the room when he spoke about the challenges faced by schools and the impact LOtC has on students, including some anecdotes from his own experiences of teaching. He left us all feeling motivated with his passionate message that high quality LOtC is that which is embedded within daily teaching practice and school culture, not just delivered as one-off experiences.
We also heard from the inspirational Jon Clarke, Shadow Headteacher of Walsall Academy, who shared his experience of building students’ aspirations in an area of significant deprivation through a programme of LOtC. He provided some fantastic insight on how his school ‘re-set’ their way of thinking during the pandemic, and started to use what was on their doorstep as a basis for LOtC experiences. Making the point that LOtC doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant to have impact.
Ann Scannell, a teacher from Manorcroft Primary School, provided an excellent example of how developing LOtC programmes within a school can have positive benefits for the wider community. She also talked about their inspiring journey to becoming a Gold LOtC Mark School, and how the LOtC Mark framework has helped embed a culture of LOtC at her school.
Networking is key
Having listened to feedback from previous events, this year, we decided to run two separate workshop streams – one for schools and one for providers. This new structure was a big hit and enabled delegates to drill down into the detail of their challenges and receive practical, supportive advice to take back to their teams. In workshops such as ‘Running a successful wellbeing project’ run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), delegates were encouraged to make the most of the venue’s inspiring surroundings and put theory into practice by taking part in outdoor activities.
The afternoon saw delegates enjoying plenty of networking, including a more in-depth look into some of the topical issues concerning LOtC, with structured discussions as part of a session called ‘CLOtC Connect’. A range of topics were covered, from how providers can communicate more effectively with schools, to how the cost of living crisis has affected school’s delivery of LOtC. There were some fascinating points raised and we’ll be sharing more detail on the discussion groups over the coming weeks.
Throughout the day, delegates were able to visit a range of exhibitor stands to learn about their services and discuss how they could support each other in delivering high-quality LOtC experiences. A huge thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors and exhibitors who made the day possible: West Midland Safari Park, YHA (England & Wales), EVOLVE Advice, Canal & River Trust, Activities Industry Mutual, Pharos Response, Field Studies Council, School Travel Organiser, The Roman Baths, Wave Project, The School Trip, Muddy Faces, Walesby Forest Activity Centre, and Blippit Boards.
A special setting
The day was made that bit more special by being amongst some amazing animals! It was a real treat to hear the lions roaring as we arrived for the day and to visit the penguins and red pandas on our lunch break. Delegates who booked early got the chance to experience a safari tour – what better way to feel re-energised and ready for a day of learning! The venue provided everything we needed for a successful day, and the West Midland Safari Park Learning Team went above and beyond to ensure the comprehensive workshop programme ran smoothly.
Jewels for a crown
The event provided a great opportunity to shine a light on some of the LOtC success stories as we celebrated schools who have recently been awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold LOtC Mark awards and benefited from the Waterways, Wildlife and Wellbeing project in partnership with Canal & River Trust. Danielle Farrelly, Deputy Headteacher, from Longford Park Primary School spoke about the positive impact the project had in developing their LOtC practice – all their hard work had paid off and (unbeknown to Danielle!) they achieved the Silver LOtC Mark, which was presented to Danielle as a surprise, following her presentation. It was touching to see how much the award meant to Danielle and it is a testament to the dedication of Danielle and the staff at Longford Primary School in making the most of the available support to help develop their LOtC.
Closing the day was the charismatic and uplifting Canal & River Trust poet laureate, Roy McFarlane. There was plenty of laughter as Roy got the audience up on their feet and reciting lines from his poetry – it was a fitting end to an especially inspiring and memorable day.
“We’re working in the playground of imaginations, we’re planting seeds of inspiration and aspiration, and we’re making jewels for a crown” – Roy McFarlane
Help us improve
If you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to complete the evaluation form to help us know what worked well and what we can improve for future events.
What our attendees said about the event…
“I thought the event was really well organised, and had a great range of inspirational speakers throughout the day.”
“I had a wonderful time, felt so welcomed and learned so much. I especially loved the sessions in the main hall after lunch- getting a chance to chat to schools and also to other providers, connecting over similar issues was very heartening.”
“A very well organised and managed event, with a broad range of content, hats off to everyone involved. Great venue as well!”
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Photography © 2023 David Levenson
