Learning away was established in 2009 and has worked in close conjunction with 60 schools to demonstrate the positive impact of residential experiences on learner engagement and achievement, on peer and teacher-student relationships and the professional development of staff. A 2015 report by York Consulting sung the praises of the group, attributing to Learning Away residentials ‘a boost of cohesion and belonging’, ‘improvements in resilience, self-confidence and wellbeing’ for students, in addition to supporting academic achievement.
Read the summary report by Learning Away and the full report by York Consulting here.
The Learning Away programme describes a brilliant residential as a trip with a least one overnight stay which incorporates such elements as a progressive programme of experiences, full integration with the curriculum and a collaborative programme to boast relationships with peers. The Learning Away website hosts examples of good practice, case studies and material for teachers and leaders to ‘make the case’ for residentials through films, planning support and presentations.
The Learning Away group has recently expanded to include the newly developed Learning Away Consortium, to be headed by Joe Lynch, Commercial Director of YHA (England and Wales). Joe has 20 years of experience in the tourism and leisure sector, nationally and globally. For the last three years Joe has been the Sales, Marketing & Digital Director of the youth hostelling charity, YHA and has recently become the Commercial Director. Joe has a wide-ranging career specialising in the growth of youth, active, educational and multi-site businesses.
The Consortium is a combination of identified organisation and advisors who share the common aim of working together to increases the number of young people taking part in residentials. The Consortium will aim to improve the breadth and quality of residential provision. Partners includes the British Activity Providers Association, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) and the Scout Association.
The Consortium, led by the CLOtC, was successful in securing ‘legacy funding’ from the Learning Away group. Their remit is to aim to increase the amount of pupils and young people generally, taking part in residential activities. The campaign is set to be launched in September and will include social media coverage and conferences.
Find out more at learningaway.org.uk, @LearningAway, #BrilliantResidentials and +44 (0)7834167648.
Handsam can help you to plan for and explore residential options through our guide to a successful residential and list of destinations.
