Learning outside the classroom
Key points from the presentation of Mike Tones, Department of Children Schools and Families/Durham LEA
Download Mike Tones' powerpoint presentation (ppt)
There has been an increase in standards agenda – which has transferred to schools, with increased target setting and accountability. But – did anyone ask the kids?! So there are increasing amounts of disaffection. Tens of thousands of young people aren’t satisfied by sitting in a classroom…
The ‘learning outside the classroom’ agenda was launched in November 2006, and aims to encourage more widespread use of educational opportunities outside the classroom, and inspire schools and organisations which support learning outside the classroom to provide high quality experiences for young people.
It’s not just about what we learn – it’s about where and why we learn. An organised and powerful approach to learning in which direct experience is of prime importance.
Every young person should experience the real world beyond the classroom as an essential part of their learning and development. The last 20 years have been dominated by risk – we have forgotten to talk about education and learning. We are aiming to shift the emphasis.
National parks have committed and signed up to the manifesto. (Read the National Parks Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto) In September 2008 training modules will be launched. There will be a new national badge scheme, a quality standard for services, with guidance for schools, available on the internet.
The requirement will be 10-20% of the curriculum delivered outside the classroom (not including PE). An enormous opportunity for national parks.
