Outdoor Learning Day Trips
Glencoe Outdoor Learning programmes embrace an approach to learning that:
'Involves being outdoors as a central part of the experience; Is open to all; seeks to transform the experience into knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours; involves physical activity, respects the natural environment and has a challenging and adventurous component'.
Quotes from local Highland school teachers:
'Pupils gained increased confidence in that they were able to overcome challenges they previously may not have undertaken, and saw that peer and leader support helped them to achieve this. Some emerged as natural leaders and they have continued this in class'.
'The motivation and excitement of having ‘out of school’ activities with their peers had such a positive impact on their morale. They also loved being involved with the pupils from their cluster school'.
'I observed a few of my pupils overcoming fears about cycling, heights and water. The staff were encouraging and gentle whilst managing to raise challenges for the children'.
'Throughout the whole experience the pupils were encouraged to take a closer look at the benefits of their local area and what it has to offer in place of technology as a fun way to spend time. The group leaders shared lots of local information and ideas about how they could spend their free time.
The children were introduced to many new aspects of nature when visiting woodlands, lochs and local landmarks.
A really good example was when the cycle leader took the children to the Loch Area and told them the history of the estate. The children were captivated and some have said in class that they have instigated family walks to that place and shared their knowledge'.
Bring your school to Glencoe for a day of outdoor learning
for a bespoke outdoor learning experience we work with you to tailor the optimum programmes to suit your needs.
or a one off activity session for those looking for specific outdoor skills training.
Glencoe Outdoor Centre has been an Adventure Activity Licensed provider since 1996 and are subject to an AALS annual inspection of our operating procedures, risk assessments and staff competencies.
The aim of the adventure activities licensing scheme is to give assurance that good safety management practice is being followed so that young people can continue to have opportunities to experience exciting, stimulating and fun activities outdoors while not being exposed to avoidable risks.
'Physically pupils had to push themselves finding strength and coordination especially during canoeing and archery. A number of our pupils find it very challenging to plan and carry out motor tasks being aware of their difficulties. It was a real delight to watch them engage in a range of activities and unknowingly learn and develop better motor control while undertaking the new skills required'.
'I feel that the whole experience has benefited the children a great deal. The team building exercises from one of the leaders was very valuable as she gave every child a chance to lead and organize. The leader also taught the children new skills for archery with such a big focus on risk assessment. This was made fun and still managed to emphasize the importance of being responsible. Skills for the world of work were paramount in the activities.The children who were a little nervous about new things were so excited and they were praised for their achievements. End of task plenaries reinforced skills taught'.
Quotes from local Highland school teachers
Curriculum for Excellence
We partner with schools toward the goal of attainment within Curriculum for Excellence. Our programmes are characterised by its design principles and the capacities are incorporated into each activity - in particular:
Health and wellbeing: mental & emotional wellbeing, social wellbeing and physical wellbeing;
Literacy & English: listening and talking.
