Learning outside the classroom – how far should you go?

Ofsted’s October 2008 report evaluates the importance of learning outside the classroom and demonstrates that high quality learning outside the classroom is a significant factor in raising standards and improving personal development.

The report evaluates the impact of learning outside the classroom in schools and colleges across England where previous inspections had shown that the provision of learning outside the classroom opportunities, was good outstanding or improving rapidly. Inspectors also visited or contacted specialist organisations, including providers of learning outside the classroom, and held discussions with representatives from local authorities.

All of the schools and colleges surveyed provided exciting, direct and relevant learning outside the classroom. Such hands-on activities led to improved outcomes for pupils and students, including better achievement, standards, motivation, personal development and behaviour. The survey also found examples of the positive effects of learning outside the classroom on young people who had not been stimulated or motivated sufficiently by mainstream education.

The report recommends that the DCSF should reinforce the message to schools about the value of learning outside the classroom and support its appropriate use more widely across its programmes. Local authorities and their partners should build on their successful work by better supporting and encouraging schools in enhancing the quality of learning outside the classroom. Schools and colleges should ensure that their curriculum planning includes sufficient opportunities for all learners to engage in learning outside the classroom and ensure equal and full access for all learners to learning outside the classroom by monitoring participation in activities by different groups of learners and removing any barriers.
For more information about Ofsted’s October 2008 report click here and to view the Learning outside the classroom manifesto (2006) visit:
www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachingandlearning/resourcematerials/outsideclassroom/