Schools

Published on 28 November 2006, following earlier consultation, the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) Manifesto sets out the Government’s vision and encourages organisations to sign-up to the pledges contained within.

The manifesto states:

“We believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability and circumstances”

Learning Outside the Classroom is defined as “the use of places other than the classroom for teaching and learning”. Central to the vision is the need to “transfer learning experienced outside to the classroom and vice versa”.

The DfES add that “there is strong evidence that good quality learning outside the classroom adds much to the value of classroom learning. It can lead to a deeper understanding of the concepts that span traditional subject boundaries and which are frequently difficult to teach using classroom methods alone.”

To view the learning outside the classroom website visit: www.lotc.org.uk

Educational benefits of LOtC:

When these experiences are well planned, safely managed and personalised to meet the needs of every child they can:

• Improve academic achievement.
• Provide a bridge to higher order learning.
• Develop skills and independence in a widening range of environments.
• Make learning more engaging and relevant to young people.
• Develop active citizens and stewards of the environment.
• Nurture creativity.
• Provide opportunities for informal learning through play.
• Reduce behaviour problems and improve attendance.
• Stimulate, inspire and improve motivation.
• Develop the ability to deal with uncertainty.
• Provide challenge and the opportunity to take acceptable levels of risk.
• Improve young people’s attitudes to learning.

Benefits to your pupils:

As well as the opportunity to enjoy and experience new activities LOPC staff understand the personal and social educational learning opportunities that can be gained through the outdoors. Our Instructors have the skills to create meaningful learning experiences in a positive learning environment. We engage pupils in fun and active ways, where they are encouraged to reflect and think about what they have learned about themselves and others.

We give pupils many opportunities to experience success and to celebrate their achievements, leading to greater self-confidence and improved self-esteem.

Report from Ofsted in 2008:

LOTC – how far should we go?

At a time when the government is actively promoting learning outside the classroom this report evaluates the importance of such learning in primary and secondary schools and colleges.

The Ofsted report (02/10/08) reveals that pupils’ participation and achievement can benefit significantly from getting involved with activities outside the classroom — but not all schools and colleges are reaping the full benefits because some do not incorporate many off-site experiences into the curriculum. In the sample of schools visited, it found that well-planned activities not only enhance pupils’ learning, but can also re-engage those who are hard to motivate.

Click here to read or download the full report.

Sign Up to the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto:

Leicester City Schools have the opportunity to sign-up to the National Manifesto on Learning Outside the Classroom.

Every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances. The Manifesto acts as a shared statement of intent for all who see the benefits to young people and want to help bring about this vision of high quality, meaningful learning experiences for all.

All who support the Manifesto’s vision are invited to endorse and champion it by becoming a signatory, and to pledge any actions they are planning to take in support of the stated aims. Find out more about pledges and signatories and to see which organisations and individuals have already signed up click here.