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Natural & Outdoor Attractions
The Ernest Cook Trust increases its spending by 20%
Education charity, The Ernest Cook Trust has boosted its charitable spending by a fifth during the last financial year to £3.6 million, giving more opportunities for schools to access nature outside of the classroom.
Pyrland School’s mission to rewild their students
School trips can be a chance for students to explore new environments, but this summer adventure for Pyrland School students turned out to be something they will never forget.
Learning outside the classroom had major impact on behaviour
Pupils and teachers reported a significant impact on engagement and behaviour linked to learning outside the classroom as part of an 18-month project.
“Down but not out” after Outdoor Education Bill vote
Martin Davidson, chief executive of The Outward Bound Trust, vowed to continue the mission to make outdoor residentials part of the curriculum after the Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill was defeated by one vote.
Bristol pupils enjoy a week of adventure in Snowdonia
South West-based coach company, Bakers Dolphin took the party of 48 students, aged between 13 and 15, from three different city schools for a five-day Outward Bound experience in Aberdovey.
Schools can win a Farms for City Children residential in sustainability competition
Grow24 is a cross-curricular competition aimed at primary students which focuses on their connection with nature and sustainability.
Year-round trip ideas to promote positive mental wellbeing in children
We’ve compiled some of the amazing places across the UK which promote a positive frame of mind through outdoor learning.
Forestry England’s ‘ranger in a bag’ to help teachers lead trips outdoors
A new resource for teachers is being launched by Forestry England to encourage their class to become forest rangers for the day.
Outdoor education project reveals bright future for environmentalists
Outdoor education gives young people the skills and confidence to become the green workers of the future, according to the conclusion of a five-year lottery-funded programme.
Reports confirm learning in natural environments as ‘win-win’ situation
New reports published by Natural England are further evidence of the positive impact of taking learning beyond the classroom into natural environments.
‘Best day ever’ for Sherbrook Primary pupils on farm adventure
Sue Dutton of Sherbrook Primary School in Staffordshire was crowned 2022 School Trip Champion. She reports back from the prize trip she organised to Lower Drayton Farm.
YHA to inspire pupils with immersive nature experiences
The ground-breaking Generation Green project, launched by YHA to connect young people with nature, has led to the introduction of two experiences which immerse pupils in the natural world.
‘Woodland and Waves’ residential programme launched on the Isle of Wight
Pupils will be able to experience a variety of both land and water-based activities across two residential centres on the Isle of Wight, thanks to a new partnership between UKSA and Inspiring Learning.
Natural History Museum to create immersive green space and learning centre
A new outdoor garden to be created at London’s Natural History Museum will allow children to embrace nature and biodiversity outside the classroom.
More than 3,000 pupils take their learning outdoors in the UK’s largest uplands education event
School children from across the north of England ‘rescued’ their teachers with the help of mountain rescue teams, solved rural crimes with the police and learned about the importance of peatlands at the UK’s largest upland outdoor classroom event.
Department for Education backs proposals for new GCSE in Natural History
A new GCSE in Natural History is set to be introduced, as the Department for Education backs OCR’s proposals for the new qualification which will see students explore and appreciate the natural world around them.
West Midlands teachers can enhance children’s wellbeing thanks to online session
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) and the Canal & River Trust are inviting schools to register for a free online information session about the Waterways, Wildlife and Wellbeing project, which aims to support schools and connect students with the natural environment.
Residential courses on offer as FSC opens Young Darwin scholarship programme
The Field Studies Council (FSC) is inviting secondary school students to apply for its annual scholarship programme, with the chance to undertake a residential course or day series of training with specialist environmental tutors.
RSPB Minsmere outdoor learning experiences ‘bursting with exciting nature spectacles’
RSPB Minsmere on the Suffolk coast is inviting schools to discover the natural environment in hands-on sessions, as the nature reserve marks its 75th anniversary.
Case Study: floating their way to success
Pupils at Ashurst Primary School in St Helens, Merseyside, were inspired by a new learning experience, led by their own curiosity on Lake Windermere.
Helping children embrace the power of blue
Lee Strickland of Cohort St Ives explains the link between water and children’s emotional wellbeing, creative thinking and academic achievements.
Case Study: ready for action and new challenges
Andy Wright, headteacher at Bablake School in Coventry, explains how a residential experience motivated his students to push boundaries by trying new and challenging activities.
Funding boost to help West Midlands schools learn more about nature
Two charities have been awarded a grant of £1.7 million from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund to create more wildlife habitats in the West Midlands and engage more children in the region with nature.
Supporting schools to rebuild confidence and boost outdoor learning
Rebuilding teacher confidence and supporting schools to take their learning beyond the classroom will deliver a raft of benefits to children, says Justine Lee of The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
Schools invited to experience Tower of London’s ‘Superbloom’ display
A ‘vibrant sea of flowers’ will take over the Tower of London’s moat in 2022 to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen.
Wildlife Trusts launch online campaign to champion outdoor learning
The Wildlife Trusts are asking people to support a new online campaign to boost more outdoor learning in nature for children.
Let your students take the lead
Justine Lee, communications manager at The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, explains why involving young people in the planning process can have a huge impact on their engagement and personal development.
Field Studies Council on getting ‘back to nature’
Ian Wainwright from the Field Studies Council (FSC) explains why outdoor education will support children’s recovery from the pandemic.
Supporting teachers by helping schools connect with nature
Justine Lee, communications manager at The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, explains about a new CPD programme from the charity and its partnership with the Canal & River Trust which aims to help schools connect pupils with the natural environment.
“Outdoor learning will help pupils reconnect with their community and more after pandemic,” says headteacher
Andrew Hutchings, headteacher at Parkgate Primary School in Neston, Cheshire, has told School Travel Organiser that outdoor learning is vital for children to reconnect with their local surroundings, as well as the pride of being awarded the LOtC Mark (Bronze) from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC).
Extra funding given to project to help disadvantaged children in Liverpool
Grow Wellbeing, a team of forest school leaders, horticulturists, educators and more, has received additional funding to outreach their services so more disadvantaged school children in Liverpool can experience outdoor learning opportunities.
Interview: Eden Project co-founder on plans for a new GCSE in Natural History
The co-founder of the Eden Project, Sir Tim Smit, talks about the proposal for a GCSE in Natural History and engaging children with the wider world.
School kids return to attractions in the Lake District for first trip after lockdown
The first school trip since lockdown has taken place on Windermere Lake and surrounding attractions, with pupils enjoying outdoor lessons involving boats, trains and automobiles.
Experiences to promote positive mental health among your pupils
A selection of ideas to instil positive mental health and wellbeing among your students at a time when they may need it the most.
Leighton Hall unveils new learning programmes and facilities
The new packages at Leighton Hall in Lancashire include outdoor learning programmes with facilities such as an outdoor kitchen, weatherproof woodland log circle and an insect corner.
Education providers on why outdoor activities are key to reducing stress
Outdoor adventure specialists, Inspiring Learning, are encouraging more children to engage in outdoor activities as a way of helping to reduce the nation’s rising stress levels.
Let’s Learn Moor - ‘UK’s largest uplands classroom’ returns for 2021
Let’s Learn Moor, a huge outdoor educational experience which takes place across 12 sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will return for the week commencing 5th July 2021.
Nature Friendly Schools aims to get another 30,000 disadvantaged children learning outside
Nearly 30,000 school children from disadvantaged areas are set to enjoy classes in nature this spring in an outdoor learning project spearheaded by The Wildlife Trusts.
Generation Green project set to create more nature opportunities for young people
A new project, Generation Green, is set to create new jobs, volunteer roles and apprenticeships to connect more than 100,000 young people with nature.
'My Best School Trip' finalist 2020/21: Walsall Academy
24 targeted Key Stage 4 pupils from Wallsall Academy took part in this residential at the Outward Bound Trust’s Ullswater Centre in March 2020.
'My Best School Trip' finalist 2020/21: Queen’s Park Primary School
The trip, involving two groups of 25 Year 5 children from the Brighton school took place in 2019 and involved working with Sustrans cycling charity and the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Plans to introduce a GCSE in Natural History welcomed by TV presenters & charities
It would be one of the first new GCSEs to be introduced to UK schools since computer science back in 2014.
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s new sessions link to climate change & plastic pollution
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) will offer schools new sessions linking to climate change and plastic pollution at a variety of its centres across the UK for future visits.
TV presenters Kate Humble & Paul Rose give their support to school visits
Adventurers Kate Humble and Paul Rose have given their support to school visits as a generation of young people risk missing out on experiences.
Bore Place launches new session for secondary school starters
Bore Place in Kent, a 500-acre site which includes an organic dairy farm and market gardens, has created a new workshop which aims to help Year 7 pupils when beginning secondary school.
Digital fieldwork lessons aim to help GCSE and A-Level students
A programme of digital fieldwork courses to support teachers and students is being launched by outdoor education charity, the Field Studies Council (FSC).
How the Heart of England Forest helped a school to ‘check-in’ with pupils
The Heart of England Forest charity in Warwickshire has been helping local schools by offering limitless space outdoors for learning and play.
Field Studies Council’s chief executive urges the PM to allow residential school trips
The Field Studies Council’s (FSC) chief executive has written to the Prime Minister asking him to rethink school guidance for the autumn term and to consider allowing overnight residential trips.
TV presenter Paul Rose on how lockdown has highlighted the importance of travel
In an exclusive interview with STO, the adventurer, who has presented various BBC documentaries, spoke about why now is the opportunity to rethink how children learn.
Academy trust chief on reconnecting pupils to outdoor learning, day trips & residentials
Wayne Norrie, chief executive of Greenwood Academies Trust, explains why they’re committed to giving the children access to outdoor learning and residential visits as soon as they can.
A teacher’s top 5 tips for taking learning outdoors
Clare Rooney, qualified teacher & training and development officer at Learning through Landscapes, gives her tips for teaching outdoors.
How one school trip went virtual with videos, podcasts and even home cooking
Ian Mitchell, deputy headteacher of Kingswood House School in Surrey, talks about their pivot to a virtual school trip experience that included videos, podcasts, web links, Microsoft Teams… and even cooking.
Thousands of schools sign up to take part in #30DaysWild
Schools can sign up for free and download a pack of resources to help plan the wild month as well as receiving ideas to inspire them to stay wild beyond June.
“We must continue engaging young people in the natural world” says Field Studies Council
The outdoor education charity welcomed the plans to increase the time people can now spend outside, saying it’s essential we get children out of their ‘home classrooms’.
Free activities on new Countryside Classroom resources hub
The Countryside Classroom, an organisation that helps teachers with trips and support relating to food, farming and the natural environment, has introduced free outdoor activities to do at home.
Reflections: How The Country Trust can help schools
We’re going to share some previous magazine content during this time - first up, we hear from CEO of The Country Trust, Jill Attenborough about how the charity can help schools.
Engaging sensory trail to open at the Yorkshire Arboretum
Visitors to the Yorkshire Arboretum near Castle Howard will be able to take part in a specially designed Sensory Trail when the 120-acre site reopens in March.
“Get children outside to make them curious and creative”, urges Springwatch presenter Kate Humble
Presenter, writer and naturalist Kate Humble has spoken about the importance of getting kids outdoors on school trips.
Five-day itinerary available for school trips to Jersey
A free, five-day itinerary for schools, which has been especially put together for teachers taking their class to Jersey for the first time, explores some of its historical links and popular beaches.
Hundreds attend National Memorial Arboretum’s Youth Festival
The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire welcomed almost 1,000 young people from across the Midlands for its Remember Together Youth Festival 2019.
New study reveals the positive impacts of outdoor learning
A new study released by Swansea University has revealed how just one hour of outdoor learning a week can have huge benefits for both children and teachers.
Nature Friendly Schools project invites teachers to register interest in taking part
Schools are being invited to register their interest in the Nature Friendly Schools project which aims to bring thousands of children closer to nature.
‘Let’s Learn Moor’ event continues to provide outdoor experiences for pupils
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s (BASC) ‘Let’s Learn Moor’ event, saw seven moorland locations transformed into countryside classrooms for over 1,400 school children.
Englefield Estate transformed into outdoor classroom for thousands of Berkshire children
The estate once again opened its gates to 3,000 Primary school children from more than 50 local schools for the annual Countryside Days for Schools.
‘My Best School Trip’ Award: 2018 winning Lancashire school go caving with their prize money
Moorside Primary School in Lancaster won last year’s ‘My Best School Trip’ Award. Deputy headteacher Jonathan Whitwell reports back on what they did with the £1,500 prize money.
The Bushcraft Company to offer new school camping trips at Blenheim Estate
The Blenheim Estate has linked up with The Bushcraft Company to offer pupils three to five-day residential camping experiences in Oxfordshire.
Suntrap Forest Centre in London to undergo major transformation
The Suntrap Forest Centre, which provides educational experiences outside of the classroom, will undergo a £4.5 million regeneration project to improve students’ learning opportunities.
Lee Valley launches new discovery day for Mental Health Awareness Week
Lee Valley’s Youth and Schools Service has launched a new Mindfulness and Natural Art Discovery day to get pupils engaged in the natural world.
National Memorial Arboretum launches new Stick Man trail
Based on the popular children’s story, the new trail at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will encourage school children to get outside and explore.
One school’s journey from inadequate to number one
After being voted number one school in Surrey, Shannon Clark spoke to St John’s C of E Primary School’s head teacher Mark Richards to find out what part learning outside the classroom had in their transformational journey.
Teacher Talk: Force of Forest School
Keeley Rodgers catches up with Paul Curnow, Form Teacher & Forest School Leader, after he was given the LOtC Inspiring Educator Award for his work.
Wildlife Superheroes encouraged at Scotswood Natural Community Garden
Scotswood Natural Community Garden has opened up its educational visit bookings as part of its Wildlife Superheroes project.
How to use forests and woodlands to support GCSE studies
Using forests and woodland to support GCSE studies, whilst reaping the benefits of connecting your students with nature.
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Case Study: One school’s trip to The Garden Classroom
Gayhurst Primary School from Hackney enjoyed a school trip to The Garden Classroom’s pilot Seashore Adventures camp.
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WWT Wetland Centres launches resources for planning school trips
A new resource to help teachers plan learning outside the classroom has been revealed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).
Embracing Literacy and Literature through school travel
With International Literacy Day coming up on 8th September, we look at a selection of locations and attractions offering English and Literature links.
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VisitScotland reveals new literature linked trail
School groups visiting Scotland can now enjoy a trail which includes an array of fairy-tale and storybook features, tying in with Literacy studies.
Case Study: Studfold Walks and Trails
Counting rabbits, navigating a maze and building a den were all part of a day of fun, fresh air and adventure enjoyed by a group of pupils from North Yorkshire.
Beamish Museum opens new historical attraction
The ‘Remaking Beamish’ project has seen the opening of its first attraction, Joe the Quilter’s cottage, at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North in County Durham, ready for school visits.
The first steps towards planning a safe school trip
Whether it’s your first time organising or your fiftieth, safety is something that will always be in the foreground when planning a successful school trip.
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Outward Bound Trust highlights generous funding offering
The Outward Bound Trust has revealed that in 2017, 80% of its educational participants were given funding in order to help them pay for their trip.
Close to nature: Circle of Life Rediscovery
Circle of Life Rediscovery camps offered the opportunity for participants from Tiffins School in London to camp overnight in a woodland away from home, for some it was the first time.
School trips to make the most of the weather
We round up school trip ideas to enjoy the summer term and beautiful weather, both in the UK and abroad.
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Rock UK opens the doors to its newest centre
Rock UK’s Summit Centre has welcomed the first residential group to its redeveloped activity centre in the South Wales valleys.
Eden Project expeditions available with NST
Teachers considering a school trip to the Eden Project in Cornwall might like to book with school travel provider NST, which runs special tribe and rainforest themed workshops.
Big Seaweed Search provides LOtC opportunity for schools
School groups of all ages are being invited to help monitor the effects of environmental change on Britain’s seas.
How the creative arts can be explored on a school trip
We round up some trip ideas linking to creative subjects and look at why they are so crucial for education.
New trail to teach children about bee conservation
St Davids in Wales has recently been announced as the first ‘Bee Friendly’ city in the country and has launched a themed tourist trail, suitable for school children.
Making the most of your school trip
Jamie Walls, Product Development Manager of Youth Hostel Association (YHA) shares with us his top tips for getting the most out of your next school trip.
Exams put outdoor learning at risk, says Project Dirt
A new report by Project Dirt has revealed that outdoor learning is being cut back due to the pressures of testing and academic studies.
School playtime expert urges teachers to look beyond classroom
Last Thursday was Outdoor Classroom Day, which saw more than 1.7 million children playing and learning outdoors worldwide.
Inspiring Learning Beyond the Classroom conference in Surrey
Primary school teachers and outdoor education coordinators were inspired at the Learning Beyond the Classroom Conference.
Lessons in laughter: Yenworthy Lodge
In Year 6, children from Harwell Primary School have a week’s residential stay at Yenworthy Lodge, an outdoor activities centre set in six acres of woodland within the Exmoor National Park in Devon.
RSPB’s Wild Challenge encourages pupils to embrace nature
Teachers can take advantage of a new Wild Challenge, launched by the RSPB.
Five gardens to visit with a school group
As April is Garden Month, we focus on five glorious British gardens that offer educational visits and look at why a trip could be beneficial.
Five valuable experiences gained from school trips
To mark National Experience Week this week, we take a look at some of the most treasured experiences school pupils can take away from school travel.
Arboretum to host Thank You Youth Festival for KS3 & 4
The National Memorial Arboretum has invited young people to attend a full day of free workshops on 11th July.
CLOtC and Celtic Harmony to provide LOtC course for teachers
A new collaboration between educational charity Celtic Harmony and The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) has been announced and will provide a new course for teachers.
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New school packages and upgraded tractor ride at Sacrewell Farm
The farm in Peterborough has revealed its upgraded tractor trailer which aims to make school visits even more attractive along with some new educational packages.
Learning Away to offer CPD materials for residentials
Campaigning group, Learning Away, has revealed a new set of ‘Brilliant Residentials’ Continued Professional Development (CPD) materials available to teachers.
Schools and providers urged to comment on activities licensing
The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) is being reviewed this month and schools, as well as activity providers, are being asked to respond by 9th March to ensure their views are considered.
World Book Day series: Q&A with Abi Elphinstone
To continue the run up to World Book Day, we speak to author Abi Elphinstone about her experiences as a children’s author and her memories of school travel.
10 school trip ideas: geography trips
Ten Geography-themed trips engaging pupils with their environment.
Historic England launches new educational resources
Historic England has created a new free online resource designed to help teachers explore the story of Britain’s prehistory with their pupils, which can be used on school trips.
Q&A with national park education officer, Jonathan Dean
STO speaks to Jonathan Dean, an education officer for South Down National Park about the PM's 25-year environment plan.
Bohunt Education Trust poll highlights importance of outdoor education
A survey commissioned by the Bohunt Education Trust (BET) has revealed that people want a greater focus on outdoor learning for schoolchildren.
Attractions to inspire birdwatching
With events such as the Big Garden Birdwatch and the Big School Birdwatch taking place this month, we look at attractions to get children learning about our feathered friends.
Details for Outdoor Classroom Day revealed
Outdoor Classroom Day, run by campaigners Dirt is Good and Learning Through Landscapes, will once again celebrate Learning Outside the Classroom and the effects it has on education.
Nower Wood Education Centre awarded LOtC badge
Surrey Wildlife Trust has been awarded the LOtC Quality Badge for its new outdoor education centre at Nower Wood.
Study reveals too many children miss out on residentials
A recent study, carried out by Learning Away, has revealed that far too many children are missing out on potentially life-changing residential experiences.
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Learning Away launches Winter Residentials campaign
Campaigning group, Learning Away, has launched its new campaign, #WinterResidentials, which will encourage more life-changing experiences for young people.
New underwater classroom opens at Sea Life Blackpool
Sea Life Blackpool has unveiled a new underwater classroom, suitable for school visits, that provides students with the opportunity to learn about marine life first-hand.
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New tour operator offers teachers easy trip planning
New tour operator, Glo-Ed, based in Oxford, launched earlier this year and offers schools itineraries around the world.
Preparing pupils for later life
We focus on some top trip ideas to help prepare pupils for later life including college, university and careers.
‘My Best School Trip’ winners set off for Cumbria
The winners of last year’s ‘My Best School Trip’ Award have spent the prize money on two trips to Eskdale Youth Hostel… yes, two!
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Research Focus: LOtC and the challenging future
STO looks at a new study from Planet Ark that suggests that teaching children outside the classroom can give them the skills they need to tackle the challenges of the future.
Learning Away awards schools for residential experience
Two schools have recently been recognised by Learning Away for providing their pupils with ‘Brilliant Residential’ experiences highlighting the importance of LOtC.
Case study: Battlefield Live
STO finds out about Bishop's Blue Coat CoE High School's annual trip to Battlefield Live in Knutsford.
Roadshows to focus on learning outside the classroom
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC), will be hosting three School Roadshows for teachers.
Manchester launches new Treetop Trek
A new treetop adventure park at Heaton Park, Manchester, is now complete and ready to open to the public.
School trips to county shows
STO looks at county shows around the country and what they offer visiting schools.
A Q&A with... The East Ayrshire Council
STO talks to Willie White, education officer for East Ayrshire Council (EAC) to find out why learning outside of the classroom is so important.
Rayburn Tours launches new Geography trips to Iceland
Tour operator, Rayburn Tours, is introducing new school trips to Iceland.
Trips to bring healthy eating to life
STO looks at school trips to teach pupils about nutrition and food provenance.
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Learning hub in development at Camley Street Natural Park
The London Wildlife Trust has announced that Camley Street Natural Park will undergo a renovation, which will conclude in a new visitor centre and learning hub.
The 5 Ps and school trip crisis control
Ways in which schools can prepare themselves for a crisis, even if it means thinking about the unthinkable.
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Stonehenge now more accessible for school groups
The English Heritage site, Stonehenge, is even more school friendly now that a new coach park has been opened.
5 ways school trips can be beneficial for teachers
STO rounds up the research to look at the ways in which school trips can have a positive impact on teachers.
Short sightedness; another reason to get kids out of the classroom
Record numbers of children are now developing short sightedness; teachers have got more reason than ever before to get their pupils outside.
Pupil Perspective: How outdoor education has helped me
STO talks to James, a Year 12 student, about the impact outdoor education has had on his life.
Preparing for Secondary by the sea
STO hears from a school from Dorset that has created a tradition of taking pupils on a trip to Weymouth.
New education centre to open in Surrey
Surrey Wildlife Trust has announced the opening of a brand new education centre for this spring.
The 5 elements of great LOtC
Sarah Blackwell, chairman of the Archimedes group of companies that delivers Forest School training across the country reveals what she considers to be the five key elements that contribute to a successful LOtC experience.
Anniversary competition offers free school trip to Lee Valley Regional Park
To mark the 50th anniversary of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, the Youth and Schools service is calling pupils to enter a competition.
Literacy theme day at Chiltern Open Air Museum
A trip to Chiltern Open Air Museum, offers schools the chance to take part in a Goodnight Mister Tom Literacy theme day, among others.
Details revealed for Learning Beyond the Classroom conference
It has been announced that a Learning Beyond the Classroom conference will take place on 21st April at High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre, in Surrey.
Green-fingered learning at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Yorkshire is one of four RHS gardens. All offer educational workshops for schools which are led by educational officers and are designed to stimulate and capture students’ curiosity about nature and gardening and get them involved in practical horticulture, Art and Science.
Date for the 2017 Kids Country Food and Farming Day announced
The Kids Country Food and Farming Day will take place again next year for its fifth run, in Peterborough.
Combined itineraries and educational programmes at Beaulieu
A school trip to Beaulieu provides schools with lessons in Physics, History and Technology.
Science, History and Geography at the City of Caves
The City of Caves in Nottingham provides educational experiences and workshops for Key Stages 1 to 3 that tie in with the History, Geography and Science curriculum.
History, travel and business for schools at Beamish museum
Beamish The Living Museum of the North will be expanding its attractions. STO looks at what will become available.
English and Drama in Alice in Wonder-Llandudno
STO finds out about Llandudno’s ties to the novel Alice in Wonderland and how these can support a Key Stage 2 school trip.
Learn in the home of Winnie the Pooh
STO focuses on Ashdown Forest, which was the original setting for AA Milne’s famous Winnie the Pooh children’s stories.
Top 9 educational spots in Iceland
The land of active volcanos, waterfalls, glaciers and a whole lot of snow can offer a lot to schools.
A day at the dump: education at Carymoor landfill site
Rachel Bailey reports on why learning at a landfill site like Carymoor Environmental Education Centre has its perks.
Focus on: Poole’s Cavern and Country Park
Aneducational visit to Poole’s Cavern includes a cavern tour which fits in with Key Stages 1 and 2.
Study Geography and Biology in Cuba
STO focuses on a Cuba School Biology Expedition for Secondary School students, offered by World Youth Adventures.
History, heritage and archaeology; learn in Scotland in 2017
Scotland has designated 2017 as the Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology; here are some trip ideas to link to the occasion.
5 places to study the Romans
Some of the best places to go on a school trip and study the Roman Empire.
Focus on: Oaklands Outdoor Education Centre
Located in the Conway Valley is Oaklands Outdoor Education Centre which provides outdoor learning for Years 5 to 7.
Environmental studies at Howe Park Wood
School Travel Organiser takes a look at what’s available for students visiting Howe Park Wood.
5 outdoor learning centres you might not know about
The end of the summer term sees schools from all over the country heading out on residentials and outdoor learning trips. While big centres run by the likes of PGL and YHA always go down a storm, there are a variety of lesser-known options available to teachers. Here, STO focuses on five.
Outdoor learning at the Beth Chatto Education Trust Gardens
Plant growth and garden birds are high on the learning agenda at the Beth Chatto Education Trust Gardens.
Focus on: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, set in 15 acres of landscaped greenery, offers more than 20 teaching sessions suited for students from Early Years through to Key Stage 4.
Bill Quay Community Farm expands Primary school programme
Bill Quay Community Farm in Gateshead has expanded its education programme for Primary school students to include more workshops.
Science CPD course available for teachers in July
School travel organisers can book now to join a new CPD course called Science through Art in the Environment.
Learning about the natural world at Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew boasts acres of exotic and common plants which can be used to help students extend their learning in subjects including Science, Maths and Geography.
From minibeasts to mammoths: study in Shropshire
A look at some top workshops available for Key Stage 1 and 2 at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
Learning on the farm at Cotswold Farm Park
Cotswold Farm Park, owned by farmer and Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, offers school trips which get pupils into the outdoors learning about animals, farm life and food production. Here, School Travel Organiser finds out more.
The benefits of outdoor learning with Alex Staniforth
School Travel Organiser spoke to new YHA Ambassador Alex Staniforth about his experience of outdoor learning.
Happy birthday John Muir
On the day that would have been adventurer John Muir’s birthday, School Travel Organiser takes a closer look at the John Muir Award and what it can mean for schools.
A walk back in time in Teesdale for Key Stage 2
Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve in County Durham has launched a new historic environment package targeted towards Key Stage 2 students.
Discovering plants and animals with the RSPB
School Travel Organiser finds out how a visit to one of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) nature reserves can help studies on plants and animals for Primary school pupils.
Springtime LOtC resources available from FACE
Farming & Countryside Education (FACE) has created a new downloadable resource pack for outdoor learning this spring.
Centre for Alternative Technology launches new Quarry Walk
A new quarry walk is due to open at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT).
Schools Garden Challenge taking place at Arley Hall
Arley Hall invites schools to compete for an educational trip to Stockley Farm Park by creating their own garden.
Sutton Ecology Centre opens new learning space for school trips
Sutton Ecology Centre has recently opened a new classroom for students to use for learning about wildlife and conservation.
Learning Art & Design and History at the National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum can be an eye-opening experience for students and benefit studies in Art & Design and History.
Environmental education and Business Studies at Anglian Water
School Travel Organiser finds out how Geography, Business Studies and English can be brought to life for Key Stage 1 to A Level at Anglian Water.
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Foundation and Primary learning with Twiggles and Boggles at BeWILDerwood
School Travel Organiser takes a look at the learning opportunities available for Foundation and Primary school students at BeWILDerwood.
Learn Prehistory, Science, Literacy and Numeracy at an Iron Age Settlement
Celtic Harmony is a charity that offer educational sessions inspired by the heritage of ancient Britain.
Efteling theme park to open new holiday village
Efteling theme park, in the south of Holland, is investing €30 million to construct a new holiday village.
12 tips for embedding away from desk education at your school
Pointers for getting the most out of the practice of learning outside the classroom.
Join the school tree planting project
If you’ve got a bit of time to kill over the Christmas holidays, apply for the school tree planting project, created by the Woodland Trust and the government.
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Discovering the great outdoors at The Yorkshire Arboretum
Rachel Bailey spoke to The Yorkshire Arboretum’s education officer Kathryn Hardaker, who organises school visits for Primary school children.
Linking character education to learning outside the classroom
When thinking about personal development and character education we must not be blind to the world outside the classroom walls, writes Elaine Skates, chief executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and STO columnist.
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It’s not just Geography at Snowdonia National Park
Education officers from Snowdonia explain why the National Park’s environment is a great one for learning outside the classroom.
Cross curricular learning at the living laboratory
School Travel Organiser takes a look at the benefits of booking a visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), Wales.
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Focus on: Classrooms in the Forest, Whinlatter
School Travel Organiser finds out why a classroom in the forest serves as a great place to learn.
Top tips for award winning learning outside the classroom
On 26th November the annual Awards for Outstanding Contribution to LOtC took place in Essex. Here are the tips from every nominee on how to get the most out of learning outside the classroom.
Focus on: Dudley Environment Zone
School Travel Organiser finds out more about the Ezone in Dudley, which offers skill development and independent learning opportunities for Early Years to Key Stage 4.
Top 9 educational spots in Edinburgh
Being that Edinburgh is home to fascinating history it’s no surprise that its a popular choice for school trips.