Outdoor
Outdoor
What is it?
The outdoors covers everything that isn’t contained with a building! You can do many things outdoors, from extreme sport to simple appreciation of the surroundings. The exact conditions of the outdoors vary hugely all over the planet from snow and ice to hot, arid desert to swamps, mountains, rivers and wildernesses, so the activities available will depend on the climate of the specified area.
What does it involve?
The varying nature of the outdoors means that it can involve almost anything! However, outdoor activities will always include some sort of interaction with the environment, whether it’s learning about nature and wildlife or travelling across challenging terrain.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
The increasingly technological society of today means it’s more important than ever to appreciate the outdoors, so spending time there and participating in activities should be an essential aspect of everybody’s lives and should definitely be included in a student’s education.
What equipment do we need?
You will need very different equipment depending on the activity you are participating in. For example, nature trails or hiking use very little equipment, whereas more complex activities such as abseiling will call for specific equipment – make sure to check ahead of time if you need to provide anything!
Who is it suitable for?
There will be an outdoors activity for people of absolutely any age and interest.
Costs?
Access to the outdoors is completely free, but the use of an activity provider will incur some costs; it will depend on the type of activity you do!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Any activity that takes you far away from medical assistance should be carried out with caution and extra safety measures, and younger students should always be supervised carefully when outdoors! Many activities need to be provided by AALS licensed providers.
How do we include?
This will again depend upon the specific activity, so check with the provider to see their specific set up and generally exercise common sense in regards to the activity and the needs of your student group. You must always try to include students unless you can evidence that their participation in any particular activity is dangerous to themselves or others. Often with straightforward reasonable adjustments students with a wide range of issues can take part in activities and this can provide life-enhancing opportunities for them. There are many excellent providers who will be used to including such students in activities so it is often a good idea to contact them to discuss this in advance.
Doing it abroad?
The outdoors varies greatly all over the world as the climate changes, so participating in activities outside will be a great idea wherever you are! Ensure, though, that the safety standards and recovery processes are in place to your satisfaction before you book the activity. You may find it difficult to get your money back from an overseas provider if you turn up and are not happy ot proceed but haven't made clear your requirements in advance.
Main websites:
Check out individual venue websites to see what sort of outdoor activities they have available!
Venues with this Activity
A leading provider in canoe and adventure activities in the river Wye area
The Hive on Moss Bank Park is an exciting new site aimed to inspire more people to be creative and to grow food at home. The Hive offers a unique learning experience inspiring pupils of all ages and abilities to explore and actively learn about cooking and growing food, wildlife and the environment.
Within the grounds of EDF Energy’s Cottam Power Station, sits Cottam Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife which school groups can access.
Visiting groups are based at the Nature Centre, which is managed in partnership with Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield and Mansfield. The Centre has a fully equipped classroom space, and have access to a range of habitats in this unique environment.
We are a main provider of residential outdoor education courses to primary schools from Hartlepool. The Centre is also available to other primary schools, secondary schools and College groups.
We passionately believe that every child and young person has the right to achieve their full potential, whatever their background or circumstances - and, as a result, we work with over 6,000 children, young people and families in the North West of England every year.
Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre is a multi-activity residential facility situated in Lochgoilhead, Scotland. We have been in operation since 1969, and can accommodate over 70 people. We run school, youth and adult courses plus much more!
Our extreme sports programme includes a huge range of exciting activities for children between the ages of 8 and 16.
We run a full day starting from 9.30am - 4.30pm and we also offer free transport to the activity with minibus collection from several of our leisure centres.
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Featured Provider
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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Latest News
British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland
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The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.