Student primary teachers get serious about outdoor learning – taking the classroom into the forest
ONE POSITIVE OUTCOME from the
COVID-19 pandemic is that children and adults discovered the benefits of connecting with nature . Whilst parents were challenged by the demands of home schooling , many used the great outdoors as a healthy escape from the digital world and a platform to engage youngsters in new learning opportunities .
Although lockdown helped reinforce the benefits of outdoor life , last year , QMU was ahead of the curve when it built in outdoor learning as a key part of its new teacher education programmes , which embed a commitment to environmental sustainability at their core . Post lockdown , its education experts are even more acutely aware of the importance that outdoor learning can have on children ’ s mental and physical wellbeing .
The University ’ s new BA ( Hons ) Education Studies ( Primary ), which launched last year , has a contingent of highly skilled and experienced educators to equip new teachers with specialist outdoor skills , and it seems everyone wants to get involved !
The students have loved immersing themselves in woodland tasks and adventures but with a serious side to skills development : this is more than a stroll in the park ! Students are working towards the Forest and Outdoor Learning Award ( FOLA ), which is a national certificate recognised by the Forest School Association and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework ( SCQF ).
Of course , outdoor learning should be fun , so apart from participating in the RSPB Great Birdwatch , students built over 100 bug hotels which were then installed at LOVE Gorgie City Farm in Edinburgh . Swapping a stuffy classroom for the chance to hone new skills in a magical ancient woodland , has opened the students ’ eyes to the possibilities that outdoor learning has to offer .
Tasked with enthusing students about outdoor education is former headteacher Chris Green , and Forest School Leader and former teacher , Patrick Boxall , who now lecture on QMU ’ s BA ( Hons ) Education Studies ( Primary ).
Patrick Boxall explained : “ Many of the students had uncertainties about their own knowledge of the outdoors , so the course is helping develop their practical skills and teaching around outdoor learning . The work we did with students in the magnificent Lord Ancrum ’ s Wood , in the grounds around Newbattle Abbey College in Midlothian , really inspired the students to develop a whole new set of skills . Their reaction to the course has been incredible and they seem to be loving every minute !”
Patrick continued : “ Our aim is to develop a new generation of primary teachers who have the skills and knowledge to help children develop as engaged , healthy and resilient citizens who will make a positive contribution to society . There are many pressures on primary schools , so we ’ re showcasing outdoor learning in a way that schools can sustain for themselves . This will help more young people develop a love and understanding of the outdoors which they can take into adulthood .”
Chris Green said : “ We are continuing to develop our outdoor learning training on the back of COVID and have been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from our new partnership organisations - the RSPB ; The John Muir Trust , LOVE Gorgie Farm and Newbattle Abbey College – which are helping us upskill our trainee teachers through a range of exciting outdoor learning opportunities . We are also in discussions with the National Trust for Scotland about promoting access to outdoor spaces within the beautiful grounds of Newhailes House and Gardens in Musselburgh .”
Chris concluded : “ The future looks bright for outdoor learning and the timing is now right to ensure it develops as an essential component within modern education .” ❒
12 QMYOU / Outdoor Learning