Learning Outside the Classroom
Updated 17 March 2008
December 2007 News
Summary of developments
From the launch of the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto in November 2006 a great deal has happened. Peter Carne and Mike Tones have been selected as the Manifesto champions. Eight partnerships have been formed representing the following sectors: School Grounds; Adventurous Activities; Farming and Countryside; Natural Environment; Built Environment; Heritage; Creativity and the Arts; Places of Worship.
A National Advisory Group has been created with representatives from all eight sectors, to oversee the implementation of the Manifesto. Finally, a Manifesto action plan has been drawn up and three contractors have been appointed (with a fourth close to appointment) to deliver on that action plan. Those contractors will have delivered a significant portion of the action plan, in draft form, by March 2008. At this point, as a result of the government spending review, it will be clear what funding is in place to continue with the final stages of implementation and it is hoped that by September 2008, elements of the Manifesto action plan will be formally launched.
The Manifesto in Action
The key aims of the
Manifesto are:
- To develop guidance for schools on how to provide learning outside the classroom opportunities and the development of a LOtC training/CPD framework for schools and provider organisations (LOT1)
- To develop a safety and quality accreditation scheme for provider organisations (LOT2)
These LOTs have been assigned to independent contractors. LOT 1 has been assigned to the CfBT Education Trust. LOT 2 has been assigned to PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
A PR and Communications agency called Band & Brown is also in place to promote LOtC across a large audience including teachers, pupils, parents, carers and providers of learning outside the classroom opportunities.
Finally, a third contractor (not yet named), will be appointed to consult on the formation of a LOtC Council that will oversee the long-term development and implementation of LOtC activity.
HSP Activity
The Heritage Sector Partnership (HSP) is chaired by John Stevenson, Director of the Group for Education in Museums. Fenella Hunt works alongside him as Coordinator for the HSP and acts as a link between the heritage sector, the contractors, Band & Brown and the government.
What has been
happening in November:
- Meeting the
contractors - The
HSP has met CfBT and PwC to review the progress they have made on their
assigned LOTs. It has also been able to give the input of the heritage
sector to ensure that the end products cater, as much as possible, for the
needs of the heritage organisations it represents.
- The
Communications Working Group -
The HSP has been developing a close working relationship with
Band & Brown, the PR agency. Fenella Hunt is now a member of the
Communications Working Group (CWG); a body established to help streamline
communications between the sectors and the government.
- Collecting
case studies - A
considerable element of the HSP’s work in conjunction with Band & Brown is
the collection of case studies of best practice in LOtC in the heritage
sector. This best practice can focus on any number of the characteristics
of good LOtC activity including: working with early years, youth groups, pre
and after-school clubs, secondary or primary learners, one-off projects,
on-going programmes of learning, partnerships between organisations, the
work of smaller heritage organisations etc. Fenella Hunt, HSP Coordinator
would be delighted to receive any case studies from the heritage sector and
can provide a pro-forma document that gives guidance on what sort of
information to include in a case study (please contact
lotc.gemoffice@btinternet.com).
- Publicity
through publications -
It is important that the LOtC Manifesto is publicized as
widely as possible in the sector media and amongst learning and education
professionals. If you are aware of any newsletters, magazines or journals
that might usefully include some information about LOtC, please do let the
HSP know (lotc.gemoffice@btinternet.com).
- Involving
your PR department -
Band & Brown are also working hard to ensure a consistent set
of messages about LOtC is put out to key audiences and are seeking to make
sure they are aligned with the individual publicity departments of all
organisations involved. If your PR department would like more information
about LOtC publicity, please ask them to contact Fenella Hunt, HSP
Coordinator on
lotc.gemoffice@btinternet.com).
- Publicising
LOtC activity -
Finally, if there are any forthcoming events, conferences, publications
related to LOtC and education activity in the heritage sector, it may well
be possible to raise their profile through Band & Brown. Please do let the
HSP know (lotc.gemoffice@btinternet.com).
- HSP Meeting
- The HSP next meets on Wednesday 5 December
when we will review progress to date and establish next steps. If you have
any particular points that you would like raised at that meeting, please do
email Fenella Hunt at
lotc.gemoffice@btinternet.com
- Date for the Diary - The Heritage Sector Partnership, Learning Outside the Classroom One Day Conference will be held in February 2008.
The heritage sector network is a network of interested organisations, individuals and smaller networks through which a free flow of information surrounding LOtC in the heritage sector can be established. If you know someone who would like to be part of it, please ask them to email lotc.gemoffice@btinternet.com and we will ensure that they receive the next copy of the newsletter.