Issue 2 Spring term 2007

Electronic copy also available: www.eriding.net > educational visits > news Educational Visits Update Spring term 2007 School trips - a view from North Cave year-olds) has the opportunity part and parcel of the social to go away with his/her class atmosphere of our school. each year. The length of stay Never overlook the fact depends upon the age-range, Inside this issue: as does the location, though we that to be successful, school trips demand a great deal of try to stay within the county. St. Mary’s Primary We stay in hostels and do organisation and preparation, extend overseas links 2 our own catering, usually rely heavily on the goodwill with the help and support of of parents and friends, Nafferton Primary willing parents who believe and provide a tremendous develop Outdoor Education Programme 2 as wholeheartedly as we amount of exhausting hard do in the value of these work for the teachers. (from “Forest Schools” in the experiences. Children are an article, fi rst published in East Riding? 2 involved, where practicable, in School is a preparation for life, sharing the chores. Costs are Junior Education in April 1984. Leave no child inside 3 so let’s learn about living. Our kept to a minimum and the The school has maintained this Spring 2007 Training staff feel that if we are to reap living is basic, but FUN! annual activity programme to the full benefi t of educational Courses 3 The trips provide a major the present day. ) visits, why should we limit the highlight in our school year. Learning Outside the 3 experiences to top juniors? If you would like to know We have no doubt that they more, please get in touch with Classroom Manifesto As a result we have a play an important part in launched programme whereby every developing relationships Bob Long Rover and Safety Guidelines 3 child in our primary school between children, and between Head at North Cave School (about 120 fi ve- to eleven- children and adults; they are 01430 422551 Ideas, Events & Opportunites 4 YHA offers Outdoor Centres - a vital ingredient in New database of providers Are ski visits educational? broadening children’s horizons Watersports Try It Event Visits to water treatment plant In the school where I taught, it was can they learn to take risks and centre? It’s eminently possible almost impossible on a Friday to how do they develop teamwork to deliver and with growing Local museums and galleries teach children who were going to skills, confi dence and creativity concern about how we equip Dol-y-Moch OEC for the weekend, that we know are essential for this generation of young people such was their excitement. life and for work? to deal with the challenges facing “School is a The stories they told on their Because of the commitment them, now might be a good time return kept them going for weeks of teachers, thousands of the to make it happen. preparation for life, and there was rarely a child who nation’s children get the chance An extract from an article in so let’s learn didn’t want to go back. of similar experiences and it will Sept 2006 by Estelle Morris about living” I think outdoor pursuits centres have as great an impact on their (former Education Secretary lives as anything else they learn 2001 – 2002) are the forgotten answer to some Bob Long, perennial questions. How do we in school. For full article see: broaden children’s horizons? How about an entitlement for http://www.atl.org.uk/atl_en/ Headteacher of How do we develop their self- every child to have the chance resources/report/latest/ North Cave confi dence and self-respect? How to attend an outdoor pursuits fi nal_word.asp Primary School St. Mary’s Primary in extend overseas links St Mary’s Primary School in through these projects, to visit pupils from Bremerhaven in Beverley has built up links and partner schools in Germany Germany as they undertake conducted exchanges with and France. work experience in Beverley. a number of schools across The school’s third Comenious Teachers from Norway who Europe. project saw 28 pupils and 16 take part in a course at York The school has completed teachers from six schools visit University also visit the school two successful Comenius St Mary’s in April 2006, and each year. Projects with partners in stay at the homes of pupils More information contact: Finland, Germany, France, and staff. John Mason, Comenius Romania and Slovakia. These In October 2006, more Year link teacher at St. Mary’s, have enabled hundreds of 6 pupils attended a project Beverley Tel. 01482 868149 pupils to learn about the meeting in Spain, and there will or view Comenius website: lives of children in different be opportunities for current countries. Many have Year 5 pupils to visit Sweden www.comeniussports.org established close friendships and Finland next year. through penfriend letters and Each year the school also email. Some Year Six pupils welcomes secondary school have had the opportunity,

Nafferton Primary develop Outdoor Education Programme

Staff at Nafferton Primary Yr 4 pupils have their fi rst Back at school, staff have fi rst aid training courses, as School have developed an residential visit, with a designed and developed part of the extended school ongoing programme of focus on teambuilding and their own adventure trail activities. environmental activities. outdoor and adventurous in the grounds, which is Alison Bray, Deputy Head, activities throughout the By year Yr 5, pupils have the used specifi cally as part believes that all these activities of the outdoor education school – linked to the Key opportunity to take part in a have a vital part to play in programme, not a playground. Stage 2 curriculum. wider range of activities such the children’s education, and as climbing, orienteering, and a An orienteering course is also can have a profound impact In Year 3, instructors from low ropes course. presently being developed in on their personal and social the school grounds. development. the nearby Cranedale Centre In their fi nal year, pupils go come into school to deliver to a different venue - the Year 5 and 6 pupils are also For further information, some simple groupwork and Robinwood Centre in Alston - encouraged to participate contact Alison at Nafferton problem solving exercises. for 3 days of intensive activity. (alongside their parents) in (tel: 01377 254307) “Forest Schools” in the East Riding? Based on a Scandinavian Forest Schools are particularly have over fi fty trained Forest [email protected] idea, Forest Schools involve successful in motivating School Practitioners. A workshop has also been young people working with a children who may not normally The development of a organised for East Riding qualifi ed Forest School Leader “shine” in a classroom privately-run Forest School teaching staff on Tues 27 March and their teacher on a regular environment. Improved levels site in the East Riding is at Allerthorpe Park to introduce basis throughout the year in a of behaviour and motivation presently being considered the concept of Forest Schools. woodland setting. often translate back into the by some local entrepreneurs. school environment, and can Places can be booked via They follow their usual Anyone interested in using have a signifi cant impact on www.eriding.net > CPD curriculum, but in an outdoor or supporting this initiative achievement. courses > Ed Visits context, using learning and can email Amanda at teaching strategies that nurture Forest Schools have additional self esteem, confi dence, physical, social and health benefi ts communication and social skills, for children who lead increasingly and an appreciation and respect indoor and inactive lives. for the natural environment. Forest Schools have become Many children benefi t from established in many parts of a practical element to their the UK. Shropshire County learning, and often achieve Council, for example, now greater levels of success in this employ a part time Forest context than in a traditional School Co-ordinator and two classroom environment. Forest School Leaders, and Page 2 Leave no child inside There is nothing, NOTHING quite like: Long may young people feel the wind in their hair, the rain on their skin and the feeling · The feel of grass on bare feet of tiredness that comes only from physical · Watching grasshoppers on a summer’s day exercise. · Reaching the top of (even a little) hill Long may they have pictures in their minds of countless natural wonders, and long may they · Crawling up close to a herd of deer be able to conjure up the sights, sounds, and · Rolling downhill – in sunshine or snow smells of outdoor life. Adapted from an article by Heather Crawford · Finding the perfect skimming stone in “Horizons” (Institute of Outdoor Learning) · Making daisy chains Dec 2006

Spring 2007 Training Courses Staff competence is probably • Visit Leadership Skills Book via www.eriding.net > the most important factor in (30 Jan, 1 Mar) CPD courses > Ed Visits the planning and leadership of It is particularly important • Practical Risk Management to ensure that all staff are safe and successful visits. for Visits (22 Jan, 21 Feb) adequately fi rst aid trained (Taff Please encourage staff to take Bowles is available to tutor 1- advantage of relevant INSET • An introduction to Forest day Emergency Action courses), courses - for example: Schools (27 Mar) and are aware of the existing visit guidelines and procedures • First Aid for School Leaders • Teambuilding and Groupwork - for example, how to access (8 Feb, 5 Mar) workshop (14 Mar) and use ROVER Online.

Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto launched “Every young person should quality, meaningful learning Learning outside the classroom role of the Manifesto is to experience the world beyond experiences for all. is about raising achievement make a difference, you are also the classroom as an essential through an organised, powerful These, often the most memorable encouraged to pledge your part of learning and personal approach to learning in which learning experiences, help us to support by making public the development, whatever their age, direct experience is of prime make sense of the world around actions you intend to take. ability or circumstances. “ importance. This is not only about us by making links between what we learn but importantly To order a copy of the To make this a reality, a Learning feelings and learning. They stay how and where we learn. Manifesto, or to add your Outside the Classroom with us into adulthood and school’s endorsement and Manifesto has been launched affect our behaviour, lifestyle If you also recognise the by the DfES. The Manifesto acts and work. They infl uence our value of learning outside the support, visit: as a shared statement of intent values and the decisions we classroom and support the www.teachernet.gov. for all who see the benefi ts to make. They allow us to transfer Manifesto vision, endorse and uk/teachingandlearning/ young people and want to help learning experienced outside to champion the Manifesto by resourcematerials/ bring about this vision of high the classroom and vice versa. becoming a signatory. As the outsideclassroom Rover and Safety Guidelines amendments Some amendments have been for you to explain and justify standard across all local made to the online ROVER your decision. authorities in the UK. form, and will be introduced There is also now the option After many years of excellent this term. for leaders to attach lists of service, Paul Rowe is handing For example, if you answer “No” group and staff members to over the EVC role at Wolfreton to some questions - such as, the form. School to PE teacher “Do you have an appropriately Sarah Bryant. The Service Provider Enquiry trained and qualifi ed fi rst aider Form EV2 is under review If a school appoints a new EVC, on the visit?” the form will at present with the aim of please ensure that you notify now automatically open a developing a form that is Taff Bowles at County Hall. small comment box and ask

Page 3 Ideas, Events and Opportunites

YHA offers Watersports Come and Try It Event The Youth Hostel Association are offering a range of competitively On Saturday 17th March, there is a great opportunity for the priced packages that might be attractive to schools that are still county’s teaching staff to sample the new facilities and watersports looking to book a residential visit this year. Primary schools might activities (kayaks, canoes, catamarans, windsurfers) that are on fi nd one of the following courses of particular interest: offer at Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, near . KS2 History (Invaders and Settlers), Geography (Contrasting It is hoped that schools will consider introducing watersports into localities), or PE (Outdoor adventure and problem solving) 2-day their programme of activities, either on the curriculum, or as part residentials for £29.50 at Castleton YH (tel. 01433 620235) of their extra-curricular activities. It was felt that perhaps the best KS2 PE Outdoor Adventure residential - £30 for 2 days at Gradbach way forward was to encourage and enthuse staff fi rst! YH (tel. 0870 770 5834) There is no charge for the use of the boats or the instruction, but For more details of YHA offers: please bring £3 (£2 if half a day) to pay direct to Allerthorpe for use Te l 0870 770 8868 or see: www.learn4real.co.uk of their car park/changing facilities. The day will be relaxed and informal, with the aim of giving a good introduction to novices, as well as providing further instruction New database of providers to those who have more experience. The day is suitable for all abilities, and all teaching staff are welcome (other family members A new database of providers of residential accommodation, outdoor can attend but will have to book activities independently with the activities and services, and places to visit within the region will shortly be available online via www.eriding.net > educational centre staff). visits. This will enable teachers to search quickly and effi ciently for Free instruction will be available but places should be prebooked information about different service providers in the region, and to (via www.eriding.net > CPD courses) by the closing date (1st leave or request helpful feedback and advice from others. More March). All technical equipment will be supplied free of charge. The information will be available in the next newsletter. centre has a changing room and showers. Lunch is not provided so please bring a packed lunch or some money to buy drink/food from the café. Are ski visits educational? What is the justifi cation for a school ski visit? Do staff view ski visits as an invaluable learning experience for the pupils...or just an Visits to water treatment plant opportunity for a cheap ski holiday? Water provide a number of services for schools including Ski visits can help young people to learn a challenging new skill and, free speakers and free visits to education centres based at 3 water in doing so, develop fi tness, coordination, and strength. An overseas treatment plants in Yorkshire - the nearest of which is at Loftsome residential visits can also offer a rich cultural experience, and help with Bridge, near , . Yorkshire Water also provide a wide the general personal and social development of pupils. range of helpful teaching resources which will cover many aspects of the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. But staff might also consider some of the following ideas to extend the learning potential and value of ski visits: For details see: www.yorkshirewater.com/education Involve pupils in the planning and organisation of the visit - e.g. choice of venue? cost? activities? Local museums and galleries Provide specifi c foreign language training, and involve pupils at the resort with the purchase of goods from local shops etc; MLA Yorkshire is organising a conference on 19 March 2007 at Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds to explore the contribution that Give older pupils specifi c leadership responsibilities; the Cultural Sector (Museums, Libraries and Archives) can make Try self catering - it is more challenging… but much cheaper, and to the Every Child Matters agenda and outcomes. It is hoped that more fun (especially if the pupils purchase and help to prepare their the event will encourage dialogue and discussion between the own food!); education and cultural sectors. Teachers and Heads are welcomed. Link in teaching about weather, snow formation, avalanches, global For more details, see: www.mlayorkshire.org.uk warming, rural economies etc.; Try snow shoeing, cross country skiing, or ski touring for a day; Dig and stay in a snowhole one night; Teach about what to look for and discover during the journey; For further advice and support, contact: Organise your own evening activities, including involvement in local Taff Bowles, County Educational Visits Consultant events - yodelling?!!; School Improvement Service County Hall, The possibilities are endless! Headteachers might even consider Beverley HU17 9BA the visit so educationally benefi cial as to warrant going during term-time?! Phone: 01482 392417 Fax: 01482 392490 Email: [email protected] Page 4