Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Sally Thompson

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Sally Thompson Council for Learning Outside the Classroom

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom

What do we mean by Learning Outside the Classroom? ‘The use of places other than the classroom for teaching & learning. ’

www. lotc. org. uk

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark Recognise existing exemplary provision and assist and support schools in developing their LOt. C offer

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark levels An awareness of the benefits of frequent, continuous and progressive LOt. C A strong commitment to providing frequent, continuous and progressive LOt. C to all pupils Exemplary LOt. C provision; the school is a leader in providing frequent, continuous and progressive LOt. C to all pupils

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark application procedures Bronze & Silver Level • Self Evaluation Form with a cross-referenced electronic evidence portfolio • A desktop audit; followed by onsite assessment for 10% of successful applicants • The award is valid for two years Gold Level • Self Evaluation Form without supporting evidence • Desktop audit pre-assessment • 100% on-site assessment before accreditation • The award is valid for four years

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark – key guidance LOt. C Mark assesses only the LOt. C opportunities offered to all pupils as part of the delivery of the curriculum. Please bear the following important points in mind when writing your application: • External visits are very important; however more informal, everyday LOt. C activities are equally important and should be outlined clearly at every opportunity in your application • Extra-curricular and other ‘opt-in’ activities aren’t appropriate evidence for LOt. C Mark • PE doesn’t fall under the remit of LOt. C Mark

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark criteria • Assess the processes in place to support good quality LOt. C • Not prescriptive, schools will meet the criteria in their own ways

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark criteria 1. The organisation has a stated commitment to providing and developing LOt. C experiences for all pupils • Clear communication the school’s commitment to LOt. C, both internally and externally • Integrating LOt. C into the policies and procedures of the school • Providing strong LOt. C leadership • Encouraging parents and guardians to engage with LOt. C • Encouraging and supporting staff to use LOt. C as a teaching tool • Inclusion

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark criteria 2. The organisation plans learning effectively • Strategic planning to include and develop LOt. C throughout the school • Short and medium-term planning to ensure LOt. C delivery is frequent, continuous and progressive • Effective preparation and follow-up to LOt. C activities • Specific learning outcomes for each activity • A range of different experiences offered • Pupils actively involved in planning their own learning through LOt. C

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark criteria 3. The organisation makes use of all available resources in designing & delivering LOt. C • Creative use of what is available • Creating more opportunities by forging links with the community and other organisations • Providing suitable protective clothing • Ensuring that staff share their expertise and have access to appropriate CPD

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark criteria 4. The organisation effectively monitors and evaluates the impact of LOt. C • Monitoring non-academic outcomes • Communicating improvements internally and externally • Evaluating the success of LOt. C according to outcomes for individual children

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark criteria 5. The organisation manages risk and the perception of risk effectively • Managing the perception of risk • Risk benefit assessment • Standard procedures and parental consent in place for everyday activities • Simple and direct policies and procedures • Risk aware not risk averse

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom LOt. C Mark criteria 6. The organisation is actively engaged in promoting the benefits of LOt. C • LOt. C Mark (Gold) award holders are ambassadors for LOt. C • Celebrate achievements within school and the local community • Contribute to local and national LOt. C education

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Further information: sally. thompson@lotc. org. uk 07545 431598 For information and resources: www. lotc. org. uk