Outdoor learning and the benefits thereof were under discussion at a recent meeting between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s outdoor learning manager Tim Pickering and Natalie Don MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise.
The meeting in Fort William on Wednesday March 13 was hosted by Martin Davidson and David Exeter at Outward Bound Scotland.
They were joined by Nick March from the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC) and representatives from Education Scotland.
The meeting was focused on giving Ms Don a flavour of the educational value of good quality outdoor learning in a residential setting.
Mr Pickering, who is also the current chairperson of the the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education (SAPOE), was keen to ensure that the minister understood the difficulties young people in peripheral areas like the islands face in accessing outdoor residential experiences.
The second focus of the meeting was to look at how outdoor learning is an integral part of every young person in Scotland’s 3-18 years journey through education.
Mr Pickering was keen to stress how outdoor learning is an entitlement and its value for all young people across their time in education.
After a tour of the centre, Ms Don had the opportunity to meet young people and staff from Inverness Royal Academy who were preparing for an overnight expedition, including a remote overnight camping adventure.
This was followed by a working lunch and discussions with the minister, her team and representatives from Education Scotland.
Ms Don was keen to understand the value of outdoor learning and look at and hear the evidence of its value to young people on their personal development, resilience and attainment.
It was felt to be a very productive meeting with the minister leaving with a greater understanding of the value of outdoor learning and its place in Scottish education.
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