NAFSO National Conference 2010
Promoting Learning Outside the Classroom through Environmental Partnerships.
The Purbeck House Hotel, Swanage, Dorset.
January 3rd to 6th 2010
Nafso has become a leading national organisation for promoting academic Field Studies and the wider use of the outdoor classroom. It has an extensive influence in the world of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development.
Its recent publications include the Annual Journal and useful teacher resources such as the latest “Food, Farming and Fieldwork” produced with funds from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Growing Schools Programme in 2008. This year we have funds for a publication on “Inclusion in the Outdoors” and are looking for case studies as I write!
This activity demonstrates Nafso’s close links with Government and other influential agencies such as SEEd, LOtC, FSC, RSPB and FACE in spreading the message of the wonder and benefits of learning outside the classroom.
In 1968, the Annual Field Studies Conference began because teachers who worked in UK outdoor/field/residential centres wanted an event to meet and exchange ideas through discussions and field visits. The first conference was at Leeson House Field Centre, Langton Matravers, Dorset in January 1969 hosted by Dorset County Council and the Nature Conservancy Council. Since then the annual conference has toured England, Scotland and Wales returning to Dorset in 1990 and 2000. To keep the recent 10 year cycle going, we appear again in Dorset in 2010!
From the early events, grew a desire to have a professional association to represent the field teachers and the National Association of Field Studies Officers (Nafso) was born in 1971.Therefore this is our 42nd consecutive conference and Nafso is in its 40th year!
I therefore extend a welcome to Nafso members and a personal invitation to other committed outdoor people to take part in the Annual Conference.
Chas Matthews - Nafso Chairman and Conference 2010 Director
Download the NAFSO Conference Prospectus