4 Learning outside the classroom Learning for life - The importance of outdoor education has never been recognised more. The variety of Government initiatives such as the “Learning outside the Classroom” manifesto, Quality Badge Scheme and “Every Child Matters” reinforce the significance of good quality outdoor experiences in the life of every child. <strong>Acorn</strong> is fully involved with and supports these initiatives; our adventure camps extend learning beyond the classroom, offering enrichment opportunities and helping young people develop new interests, new skills and new confidence in themselves and what they can achieve. “We believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.” “Learning Outside The Classroom” Manifesto <strong>Acorn</strong> and ‘Every Child Matters’ Learning outside the classroom provides a powerful route to the ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes. Our adventure trips contribute to each of the five key outcomes of ‘Every Child Matters’ in the following way: Be Healthy <strong>Acorn</strong> promotes healthy choices Models a healthy lifestyle Is physically challenging Is emotionally engaging Stay Safe Children and young people are informed about key risks and how to deal with them <strong>Acorn</strong> provides a safe environment <strong>Acorn</strong> staff are trained in child protection Every Child Matters Enjoy and Achieve <strong>Acorn</strong> supports enjoyment through learning Contributes to personal and academic growth Challenges, stretches, motivates, engages, raises achievement Models quality Make a Positive Contribution <strong>Acorn</strong> helps children develop socially and emotionally Encourages pupils to engage in decision making and respond to challenge Helps build positive relationships Helps to develop self-confidence Teaches to show initiative www.acornadventure.co.uk Achieve Economic Well-Being <strong>Acorn</strong> promotes life long learning Raises ambitions and expectations Helps prepare children to co-exist in a community Contributes to ‘a good quality education’ Learning Outcomes of <strong>Outdoor</strong> Education <strong>Acorn</strong>’s adventure programmes achieve all ten learning outcomes of high quality outdoor education, as highlighted by the English <strong>Outdoor</strong> Council’s High Quality <strong>Outdoor</strong> Education guide. Enjoyment as a motivator - the enjoyment our activities bring is the strongest motivator and helps young people adopt a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude which transfers to other areas of their lives. Confidence and aspirations - young people gain self-confidence and self-esteem through tackling challenges and achieving success. Social awareness - developing self awareness and social skills and appreciation of the contributions and achievements of oneself and others. Environmental awareness - learning to appreciate the natural environment and understanding the importance of conservation and sustainable development. Activity skills - acquiring a range of skills in outdoor activities, expeditioning and exploration. Personal qualities - displaying increased initiative, self-reliance, responsibility, perseverance and commitment. Key skills - developing communication, problem solving, leadership and team working. Health and fitness - learning to appreciate the benefits of physical fitness and the lifelong value of participation in healthy leisure activities. Increased motivation and appetite for learning - contributing to raised levels of attainment in other aspects of their education. Broadened horizons - becoming open to a wider range of employment opportunities and life chances. National Curriculum links The nature of the outdoor experience, together with professionally instructed activity sessions, can satisfy several requirements of the National Curriculum at Key Stages 2, 3, 4 and 16+: Personal, social and health education, Citizenship, Physical Education, Extending opportunity. Review and reflect At the end of your <strong>Acorn</strong> Experience, students will participate in our Review and Reflect session. These sessions are innovative, fun, dynamic and are facilitated by fully trained staff. They are designed to enhance the “experiential learning” that takes place during an <strong>Acorn</strong> visit. 0121 504 2070 5