Education Outside the Classroom

Education Outside the Classroom

Purpose

To use the outdoors to enrich all aspects of the curriculum
and provide further opportunities for learning, 
personal growth and social development

Objectives

1. Enhance learning through a variety of well-designed, first hand experiences
2. Help students develop self-confidence and a sense of adventure
3. Assist students in their social development by placing them with others in unfamiliar situations
4. Help students develop an attitude of responsibility, particularly towards their own safety and that of others
5. Increase students’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the school area, local district and other places, including some unfamiliar places

Guidelines

1. Offer students a variety of challenging Outdoor Education experiences
2. Communicate effectively and consult with parents and caregivers during key planning stages including:
   • financial, accommodation and transport arrangements
3. Work to remove barriers to participation for both staff and students
4. Ensure adequate, ongoing evaluation and annual review of EOTC programmes and activities
5. Comply with all Ministry of Education regulations and guidelines on safety, supervision, risk management, leadership and consultation
6. Relevance to the curriculum
7. Ensure that all teachers are provided with necessary training for EOTC activities

Considerations

1. The environment and the suitability of available facilities and activities
2. The needs, capabilities and experiences, of the children
3. Skills and experience of staff, parents and EOTC resource personnel and finances
4. Safety of children and equipment
5. Relevance to the curriculum
6. Suitability to genders

Learning

• 4-7years - exploring the local community walking distance from the school or accessible by car, bus or train ride
• 7-10years - above and exploring rural or city environments and possibly involving staying overnight
• 10-13years - above and exploring bush/water environments and staying for multiple nights
• Staff are responsible for giving full attention to planning and ensuring supervision, and the safety and well-being of children.

Activities will be adequately supervised by staff, parents and EOTC resource personnel on the ratios listed:

1. 1 adult for 4 children on or near water or other high-risk activity
2. 1 adult for 6 children in bush
3. 1 adult for 8 children for all other activities

• Written parental consent for all local EOTC activities can be obtained with a generic permission form
  • This allows for easier access to EOTC activities within walking distance of the school