Training is available across the UK to help leaders find out about the ethos of the John Muir Award and practicalities of delivering it. Although not a requirement to run the John Muir Award, these popular courses provide opportunities to network and further develop skills and confidence.

21- 22 Sept, Wiston Lodge, South Lanarkshire

29 -30 Sept, YHA Wilderhope, Shropshire

8- 9 Oct, Patterdale Hall, Cumbria

27- 28 Oct, Rippledown, Kent

12- 13 Nov, Balmoral Estate, Cairngorms, Aberdeenshire

Additional specific tailored courses on John Muir Award in Schools are also available. For further information on courses and details on how to book visit www.johnmuirtrust.org/training

The Natural Connections project, which is funded by Natural England, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Historic England and delivered by Plymouth University, is the largest project of its kind in England and has already helped more than 40,000 primary and secondary school pupils get out of their classrooms and into the outdoors – whether that’s a maths lesson in a local park or drama out on the school field.

The Natural Connections project focused mainly on areas of deprivation in Plymouth, Torbay, Bristol, Cornwall and Somerset, working in both urban and rural schools with varying school grounds and access to local green spaces.

A full copy of the Natural Connections project report can be downloaded from Natural England’s Access to Evidence publications catalogue

An 11-minute film has been produced to accompany the publication of the project report.

The film highlights the achievements of the project and includes contributions from teachers and pupils talking about their positive experience.

Transforming Schools through Outdoor Learning, a practical ‘how-to’ guide for practitioners will be published in September to help equip teachers with the tools they need to bring innovative outdoor learning ideas to their own schools.

Lead Teacher in Outdoor Learning 2 (Balloch)

Click here to apply

Information, resources, support, key organisations and national guidelines on taking learning outdoors in Scotland. Click here to access the online resource.

Outdoor Learning: Practical guidance, ideas and support for teachers and practitioners in Scotland. This document provides materials and resources to support the embedding of Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning. Click here to access the document.

Keep up to date with new outdoor learning developments via the Education Scotland Outdoor Learning professional learning community. Click here to view the page.

This session we are introducing outdoor learning practitioner forums as professional learning opportunities for staff.  These are listed on the cpd site.

The Early Years session will be hosted by Lorraine Brown at Glenwood Family Centre using the school grounds on Monday 31st October from 4.00-5.30pm.

The Secondary session will be hosted by Britt Watson at Williamwood High School and will take place in the school grounds on Wednesday 1st March 2017 from 4.00-5.30pm.

The Primary sessions will be hosted by Neil Fogg at St Cadoc’s Primary taking place in Capelrigg Woods on Thursday 6th October 2016, 9th February 2017 and 20th April 2017 from 3.45-5.15pm.

Neil is a principal teacher in St. Cadoc’s, who has been involved in delivering and developing outdoor learning over the last five years. He has run working parties, outdoor numeracy support groups and Forest School sessions within a woodland setting close to his school during this time. The Outdoor Learning Good Practice Forum will be facilitated by Neil to provide those attending the opportunity to come along and share their ideas, learning and strategies with their peers to help one another grow and develop in their delivery of Outdoor Learning. Those attending should look to attend all three forums throughout the academic year and be happy to commit to leading one small group and sharing their practice during one of the sessions. The site that will be used for the forum is Capelrig Woods, immediately adjacent to St. Cadoc’s school. The wood is a mix of both deciduous and coniferous trees that has a fast flowing burn running through its centre. Despite being located in the heart of Newton Mearns it is a veritable wildlife haven which boasts herons, otters, grey squirrels, freshwater shrimp and much more. As a delegate please ensure you have the appropriate outdoor waterproof clothing and boots when attending each forum.

Planning a visit or a field trip to the Cairngorms National Park?

Our 2016 Travel Grant scheme is now open to schools and voluntary groups to make educational trips to the National Park. Grants are available up to 75% of travel costs, up to £200 for trips taken this year and until 31^st March 2017.

Applications are particularly welcomed from groups or schools who have not visited the National Park before, who come from socially deprived areas or experience disadvantage on account of their disability, age, health, race or income.

The grant scheme is funded by Cairngorms National Park Authority to encourage wider participation and learning about Scotland’s National Parks.

For more information and application pack, go to

http://cairngorms.co.uk/park-authority/funding/travel-grant-scheme/

or email learning@cairngorms.co.uk