National Curriculum and Schools
Using Outdoor Education as a strategy for personal, physical and social development in the UK is not a new concept. Over the past century many initiatives and ideas have recognised the importance of education outside the classroom: from the Scouts of Lord Baden- Powell in 1908 to the Outward Bound movement of Kurt Hahn; from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to the development of LEA and commercial Outdoor Education Centres; from the Government’s National Curriculum in the 1980s through to the government introduction of ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’
Careful course design, in consultation with individual schools, ensures that educational objectives can be achieved through outdoor activities. The educational benefits of a residential course are well documented, especially with the superb surroundings and natural resources we have here in the heart of the Borrowdale Valley.
At Glaramara ‘Every Child Matters’. We aim to contribute towards the development of safe, happy, positive and healthy children by:
- encouraging physical activity and healthy eating within a caring environment
- building self-confidence and self-esteem
- providing opportunities for young people to take responsibility for themselves and others
- developing an appreciation of risk and how to manage it
- fostering positive attitudes and creative thinking
- developing skills for life and work.
Activity Programmes at Glaramara will enthuse and challenge pupils in ways that may be difficult to achieve in the classroom. When children are placed in a totally different environment, removed from their comfort zones and presented with real physical and mental challenges, the opportunities for developing their key skills are remarkable.
The Key Skills most notably covered by our multi-activity outdoor activity programmes are:
- Working with others: children will meet real life challenges where they are expected to contribute to discussion, appreciate the ideas and situations of others and work in teams to achieve goals.
- Problem Solving and Application of Number: children will be encouraged to develop strategies and skills which can later be used to solve real life problems.
- Communication: many opportunities will occur for children to communicate in a variety of ways with peers and adults e.g. working together to build a raft and cross a stretch of water.
- Improving own learning and performance: reviewing of activities in a positive and sensitive way encourages reflection and growth.
Citizenship and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)
Many elements of the Programme of Study and non-statutory guidelines for Citizenship and PSHE are encompassed by a stay at Glaramara. :
Key Stage 2
- Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people.
- Developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of their abilities.
- Developing a safer, healthier lifestyle.
Key Stages 3 & 4
- Developing skills of enquiry and communication.
- Developing skills of participation and responsible action.
