Keystage 2
Key stage 3 and 4
Fieldwork
Outdoor Education at Trewern
Outdoor Education is a strategy of learning, which encompasses adventurous activity and environmental study, through which cross-curricular educational objectives can be achieved, by working in an outdoor environment. It describes all learning, social development and the acquisition of skills associated with living, exploring and journeying in the outdoors.
Keystage 2
All primary visits to Trewern are tailored specifically to the schools needs. The visit provides an opportunity for the children to learn together in an outdoor environment, through direct experiences. Courses comprise a combination of activities and fieldwork, the latter aimed at key stage two National Curriculum demands. The balance of time allocated to activities and curricular work is determined by school staff in consultation with their Trewern course co-ordinator.
Aims:
- Curricular development: The ‘outdoors’ provides an environment well suited to an integrated approach to learning. Educational objectives can be achieved through this strategy of learning.
- Personal Development: Outdoor education is used as a vehicle through which pupils develop in confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Courses also contribute to the development of self-discipline, judgment, responsibility and the ability to relate to others.
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Activities challenge:
- Motor skills
- Skills are developed for the successful participation in a variety of adventurous activities, and competence is gained in the use of appropriate equipment.
- Personal responsibility
- Pupils are encouraged to develop an appreciation of hazards and to evaluate their own safety and that of others.
- Initiative and courage
- These are challenged in a safe environment, leading to increased confidence, self reliance and perseverance, as well as providing many opportunities for personal fulfillment.
- Social development:
- Learning experiences are provided which encourage pupils to develop a caring and responsible attitude towards people, places and cultures and to develop an understanding of the interaction of people and the environment. Pupils are encouraged to work co-operatively as part of a group, thus increasing their understanding of themselves as a member of society. Many of the activities undertaken require mutual support and teamwork. Participation is regardless of race, gender, religion, gender differences and differences in physical ability.
Key Stage 3 and 4
Aims:
- To promote the social and personal development of pupils by increasing their knowledge and understanding of themselves as individuals and as members of a group. This includes helping them to:
- grow in awareness of their own physical capabilities
- learn to work independently and co-operatively
- communicate their experiences to others
- respond expressively and creatively to stimuli
- gain in confidence, self-reliance and perseverance
- To help pupils to understand others and to develop concern for their feelings, welfare and safety through:
- Learning together out of doors, where possible in residential situations.
- Sharing ideas and taking into account the points of view of others.
- Undertaking activities which require mutual support and teamwork
- Recognising hazards, assessing risk and then developing and implementing appropriate strategies and control measures.
- To foster responsible attitudes to the environment by providing opportunities for pupils to:
- live and work in different settings
- appreciate the outdoors for the first-hand experiences it offers
- note the effects of the interaction of people and the environment
- To enable pupils to take part in a variety of outdoor pursuits through helping them, for example, to:
- develop the skills needed for successful participation
- gain competence in the use of appropriate equipment
- plan activities and meet challenges
- To help pupils to see that outdoor activities can be a source of lasting enjoyment and recreation.
Trewern teaching staff will work with group leaders to design programmes that satisfy the above aims, encompassing a broad spectrum of outdoor activities and cross-curricular issues. Work will be related to National Curriculum subjects at Key Stages 3 and 4, leading up to GCSE and A level examination work, where appropriate.
Varied teaching and learning strategies will be provided to ensure a differentiated programme for students. Skills, initiatives and courage will be challenged in a controlled environment. An appreciation of hazards should be fostered to allow personal evaluation of student’s own role and responsibilities, with regard to their own safety and that of others. Courses should promote caring and responsible attitude towards people, places, cultures and the environment.
Learning outcomes:
- Personal development
- Personal and aesthetic awareness and respect, developed through a series of challenging activities and studies.
- Social development
- Through students living and working together in a variety of adventurous situations, tolerance, trust and awareness of others is encouraged.
- Physical development
- Fitness levels are increased and specific motor skills associated with particular outdoor pursuits are acquired.
- Environmental awareness
- Moving and living for long periods out of doors provides first hand experience that often increases environmental sensitivity, concern and understanding.
Fieldwork:
Fieldwork is seen as an essential part of the National Curriculum. Programmes of study at various key stages identify areas in which pupils should be taught the vocabulary, practical skills and knowledge relevant to Geography and Biology, through this medium.
Trewern field study courses encourage investigation through observation and questioning, to collect, record and analyse evidence, from which they can draw conclusions and communicate their feelings.
This can be flexible to extend across subjects, levels of attainment and key stages.
Aims:
- The development of practical skills. Skills are learned more readily if some purpose is perceived in using them.
- Reinforcement of what has been learnt in the classroom, helping pupils to retain more information and establish personal understanding based upon direct experience.
- Thinking and working scientifically. The opportunity to propose hypotheses, make and record observations, and test hypotheses.
- Developing a wide range of communication skills.
- Cultivating environmental awareness in pupils; thus allowing them to develop an interest in and appreciation of what is around them.
