LOtC Newsletter

Welcome to the lastest newsletter from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom - update

Beth Gardner, Chief Executive, talks about the latest news and developments from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. Read about the latest exciting developments.

Expeditions abroad - how teachers and students can benefit

Taking a class of school students to the local museum on a bus can give some teachers a risk assessment headache. But imagine taking a group to rural areas in Africa or Asia for four weeks? Three teachers report on how they and their students benefited from a school trip abroad with Camps International. Read the full article.

Student teachers learn outside their classroom

As 129 student teachers from York St John University return to their second year of training, Janet Spencer, Senior lecturer in Education and SOTS Director, tells us how they benefit from a two week placement in a Setting other than a School (SOTS). Read the full article.

Events to note:

LOtC Teacher Taster events - 28th September & 12th October 2011
There's still time to book a place on one of CLOtC's teacher taster events where you can find out more about the LOtC opportunities available in your region, gain inspiration from a range of practical activities and network with like minded people. Events will be held on 28th September in the West Midlands at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and 12th October in Yorkshire & Humber at The Deep.

Royal Horticultural Society's Campaign for School Gardening - October 2011
As part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Campaign for School Gardening, Get Your Grown-ups Growing (GYGG) is an initiative whereby schools are encouraged to host an event in October when grandparents, parents, carers and friends are invited to help in their garden.

The first 2000 schools to sign up will receive free stickers and seeds and have access to information and resources on how to host a GYGG event including ideas, invites and posters. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk/gygg.

Institute of Outdoor Learning: Forest School Conference - 8th October 2010
The Institute for Outdoor Learning invites you to this one day inspirational event at Liddington Hall near Swindon. The IOL Forest School Conference will bring together leading Forest School practitioners and experts to provide a full day of inspiration and hands-on workshops to explore this exciting and valuable educational tool. View full details here.

Fieldwork experiences: perspectives from Snowdonia - 4th to 6th January 2012
NAFSO and FSC would like to invite educators to join them for this professional development opportunity. This practical, 3 day event will include workshops led by experienced practioners, engaging participants in the latest thinking and practice of fieldwork to enhance the outdoor learning experiences of our young people. View full details of the NAFSO Professional Development Event.

LOtC local networks
LOtC networks are growing across the country with groups already set up in the South West and Wessex, East of England, Yorkshire & Humber and the West Midlands. Co-ordinated and administered by a wide range of LOtC stakeholders including LOtC providers, teachers and educational practitioners, these groups are an opportunity to share best practice, network and discuss LOtC issues that are local to you. If you are interested in attending one of the groups already set up or would like to set up your own LOtC network, please contact enquiries@lotc.org.uk.