Overall, taking part in outdoor learning, even where it involves adventurous activities is relatively safe when compared to many other every day activities.
The benefits of participation usually outweigh the risks associated with taking part, Nothing Ventured...Balancing risks and the benefits in the outdoors By Tim Gill puts this into perspective.
One of the keys to maintaining safe, enjoyable and learning experiences is to ensure that those leading are adequately trained.
Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning
“The journey through education for any child in Scotland must include opportunities for a series of planned, quality outdoor learning experiences. Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning is designed to help teachers, educators, Community Learning and Development (CLD) and their partners, including the voluntary sector, plan such experiences to ensure that progressive and sustainable outdoor learning opportunities are embedded in the new curriculum”
Outdoor Learning staff within High Life Highland promote and support the delivery of Outdoor Learning and are responsible for maintaining a robust Outdoor Learning safety management system, for both Highland Council (Education Culture and Sport, Social Work, Planning and Development) and High Life Highland.
With regards adventurous activities, High Life Highland provides technical advice to the following Highland Council Services – Corporate Health and Safety, Education Culture and Sport, Environmental Health, Planning and Development (Countryside Rangers) and Social Work.
High Life Highland Outdoor Learning staff represent Highland Council at a national level within the following organisations – The Scottish Adventure Activities Forum (SAAF), the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education (SAPOE) and at the Outdoor Learning in the National Parks pilot project.
For further information contact George Reid or Nancy Chambers.
Email; outdoor.learning@highlifehighland.com
Phone; 01 479 861 755
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