ACAST | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS

In this episode, Elaine Milne, head teacher at New Elgin Primary School, shares their journey in outdoor learning, highlighting significant progress despite initial vandalism challenges. The school gradually expanded outdoor activities to formal lessons, investing in playground markings, reading huts, and sensory areas, increasing student enthusiasm, engagement, and well-being. Support from the local community and parents has been strong, many of whom volunteer. Although they faced obstacles like staff resistance, leadership support and staff willingness to try new things helped overcome them. Provisions for children with additional support needs are included, and plans feature the Earth Garden project and involve older students in outdoor learning. Elaine advises starting small, integrating outdoor learning into the curriculum, and being organised to make learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Takeaways

• Elaine’s education journey and outdoor learning transformation at New Elgin Primary School.
• Challenges and progress in implementing outdoor learning, including overcoming vandalism and resource management.
• Positive outcomes observed in students, such as improved well-being and engagement.
• Investments made to support outdoor learning, including playground markings, reading areas, and sensory boxes.
• Outdoor learning has had a positive impact on student engagement and attainment.
• Parental involvement and community support have been crucial in the success of outdoor learning initiatives.
• Starting small and building confidence is key when implementing outdoor learning in schools.
• Incorporating outdoor learning into the curriculum can make learning more accessible and engaging for students.
• Having an organised bank of resources and getting students involved in risk assessment can enhance the outdoor learning experience.

Timestamps

00:00 The Journey in Education and Outdoor Learning Transformation
03:13 Challenges and Progress in Implementing Outdoor Learning
19:57 Investments in Outdoor Learning Support
25:22 The Impact of Outdoor Learning on Student Engagement and Attainment
28:13 Parental and Community Support for Outdoor Learning Initiatives
33:11 Overcoming Obstacles in Implementing Outdoor Learning
36:14 Advice for School Leaders: Incorporating Outdoor Learning
46:35 Advice for Class Teachers: Getting Started with Outdoor Learning

Thank you for listening. Here are the show links:

This is a reader-supported website. When you purchase products and services through links here, we may receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

• Free trees available from The Woodland Trust
• Building Your Kit
• Earth Time
• Outfit Moray
• Dirty Weekend Retreats
• What are the Sustainable Development Goals and how do they impact outdoor learning?
• Support for Professional Development in Outdoor Learning (Education Scotland)
• DIY Inclinometer (Wild Earth Lab)

“They say, ‘Oh, I went up to Scotland once and it was raining.’ Of course it was fucking raining! Where do you think Scotland is – the fucking Pyrenees? Take a raincoat, you stupid fucker!”

― Billy Connolly, Tall Tales and Wee Stories: The Best of Billy Connolly