The 2024 Outdoor Learning Conference: Education Outside the Box

The Outdoor Learning Conference 2024 is set to be a day of inspirational key speakers and interactive workshops, which explore different aspects of outdoor learning in education. We listened to feedback last year and this year we are providing more workshop opportunities.

Join us on 24th May 2024 at Northampton University, to explore some of the latest research and experience outdoor activities, which you can use to support teaching and learning in your own setting. 

Keynote Topics:

• The Outdoor Learning Project : how and why urban green spaces can promote children’s wellbeing and learning. Presented by Molly Atkins, Researchers in the Department of Education.

  The talk will outline the final findings of the two-year outdoor learning project with reference to existing literature on outdoor learning, particularly in urban, disadvantaged communities. I’ll then provide recommendations for practice based on the project’s findings at the end of the talk. 

• STEP Outside: Supporting education students to use outdoor spaces in their professional practice. Presented by Dr Helen Whewell, Dr Tanya Richardson and Senior Lecturer Helen Tiplady from Northampton University

  This keynote will explore the importance of building the confidence in education students to use their outdoor spaces effectively. It draws upon the findings of a year-long research project designed in conjunction with Teach Outdoors and funded by the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Fund. We will discuss the ways in which bespoke training opportunities might build confidence and skills to use outdoor spaces effectively.

• Education Outside the Box – what does this mean and look like in practice? Presented by Jo Clanfield, the Founder of Teach Outdoors

  During this talk, we will explore why thinking outside the box can be important for children and teachers. We will discuss the vision of true inclusive learning environments and how outdoor spaces could be used to support this vision. The keynote will invite delegates to participate by reflecting on their own practice and considering some ‘outside-the-box’ visions for outdoor learning.

  

We are offering four amazing workshops for you to choose 3 from:

Workshop A: Creating a tool kit for outdoor learning with a focus on sustainability and environmental education with Field Studies, Jo Harris

Description: The Field Studies Council is an outdoor education charity dedicated to getting children out and connected with nature. This session will highlight how we can use outdoor learning to deliver on difficult topics such as sustainability and climate change, whilst also building children’s resilience and confidence in themselves. Through activities and investigation, we will showcase how teachers can promote learning and academic skills whilst having fun and being active.

Workshop B: Taking the Curriculum Outdoors with the Teach Outdoors team

Description: Through this session, we will explore the benefits of active learning and the strategies we can use to support ‘sticky’ memorable learning experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to experience a range of curriculum-linked active learning activities from the Active Phonics, Active Spelling and Active Timetables resources.

Workshop C: Nature Connection in Schools with Alex Williams from The Nature Based Learning Hub

Description: This workshop focuses on how we can support children’s mental health and well-being through Nature Connectedness. We will explore the research from Derby University and put the principles into practice through practical activities. Nature Connectedness is often misunderstood and the benefits can have a huge positive impact for both children and adults. We will explore how Nature Connection can be developed throughout your school community for a longer-term positive impact on mental health and creating sustainable environments.

Workshop D: Proactive pastoral behaviour strategies with learners in an outdoor environment 

(that will also work with SEND learners indoors) with Shevek Pring

It is often the concern that our strategies for controlling a class will not work that acts as a barrier to wanting to take learners outdoors (and also what often creates a barrier to supporting SEND within classrooms too!). This workshop will look at some simple outdoor activities that will develop ideas of pastoral support and supporting behaviour in an outdoor setting. It will be experiential with key learning points drawn out at the end of the session and a Q&A opportunity to support taking key strategies back to your settings.

There will also be links to resources that can help support taking learners outside with confidence.

Workshop E: Storytelling and story building outside the classroom with Mike Watson. TBC

Registration will start at 9am and we will close the event at 4pm.

Join us for a fun-filled, informative day!