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Learning in the Natural Environment

Girl examining tree, Lake Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Lake District

In 2003, the RSPB identified a decline in the number of children having firsthand experiences of nature. With like-minded organisations, we co-founded the Real World Learning Partnership in England, and campaigned in the run up to the 2005 General Election for the removal of barriers preventing every child experiencing out-of-classroom learning.

In May 2006, we produced 'Out-of-Classroom Learning: practical information and guidance for schools and teachers' and distributed copies to every English state school.

The Government launched their Manifesto for Learning Outside the Classroom launched in November 2006. This now has over 1,600 signatories supporting the manifesto, not only from the natural environment sector, but also sectors representing the built environment, sacred spaces, farming and countryside, and arts and creativity.

The RSPB chairs the Natural Environment Sector Partnership of the National Advisory Group to the new Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. This facilitates the two-way flow of operational guidance and discourse between providers of learning in the natural environment and the Council.

While committed to working with the Learning Outside the Classroom Council, we also believe that the Government must take further action to ensure that every child has regular access to learning outside the classroom in the natural environment.

Last modified: 18 August 2009

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Downloads

Out-of-Classroom Learning guide (933Kb)
Offers advice on a wide range of educational experiences away from the classroom and provides useful tips to teachers and others on educational visits.
Out-of-Classroom Learning guide - text only version (321Kb)
Out of the Classroom: Into hearts and minds (127Kb)
Out-of-Classroom Learning: RSPB Discussion Paper