Teaching in Nature Programme

The Teaching in Nature programme is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). It has been accredited by GTC Scotland so that teachers successfully taking part are awarded Professional Recognition in Outdoor Learning. The programme matches teachers with a special place near their school and the people who know and love it (e.g. a manager or owner). Over the course of the programme, participants work collaboratively on-site, online and in-person to develop pupil visits that make the best use of their place and meet their learning intentions for their pupils. They integrate at least two visits to their special place with other indoor and outdoor class work, building outdoor learning into the way that they work across the Curriculum (as appropriate).

Participants reflect on their professional journey with reference to related research on place-based learning and the GTC Scotland Professional Standards. They collaborate with fellow participants and site staff to overcome challenges, share experiences, and extend their comfort zone.

The programme can take an academic year or longer and participants are expected to complete a Learning Log, which is submitted at various stages. The programme has been running since 2012 and is based on research carried out in 2010. Previous participants have commented:

“I have always associated Outdoor Learning with mainly Science or Health & Wellbeing. I think this project has made me realise that Outdoor learning has much more scope than this and that any curricular area can be covered outdoors.”

“I found Teaching in Nature to be exceptionally high-quality CPD… I am especially appreciative of the chance to meet with others in a ‘protected’ context so that we can really think, reflect and engage.”

“The children were more interested, got caught up in the excitement and actually their behaviour improved. The children managed to co-operate much more outdoors and work together. In the future I will make sure I incorporate Outdoor Learning into my termly plans.”

Contact

Sharon Cunningham, SNH project manager for Teaching in Nature,
01738 458 642
sharon.cunningham@nature.scot

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