Think outside the box

Released 29/10/2010

Learning outside the classroom crucial, says Ofsted

Learning outside the classroom contributes significantly to raising standards of education and should be an integral element of long-term curriculum planning, confirms Ofsted.

In its response to the Commons Education Committee Report, ‘Transforming Education Outside the Classroom', Ofsted highlighted its own 2008 research finding that learning outside the classroom benefited schoolchildren's learning. It also added that: "It is crucial that equal and full access to learning outside the classroom is ensured for all learners."

Referring to the revised school inspection arrangements, which evaluate the extent to which pupils' enjoy their learning and achieve well and assess the impact of a school's external partnerships on pupils' learning, Ofsted state: "Clearly, a curriculum is only likely to have these qualities or attributes if it provides substantial opportunities for pupils to learn outside the classroom."

Beth Gardner, chief executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) welcomed Ofsted's input, commenting: "There has never been a stronger endorsement of learning outside the classroom (LOtC) and its benefits to raising educational standards.

"Learning outside the classroom is proven to support improved standards back inside the classroom, raising attainment, reducing truancy and improving discipline," she continued. "We hope schools will rise to the challenge and ensure frequent, continuous and progressive access to educational experiences beyond the classroom walls are integrated across the curriculum."

The new government's response to the education committee's report both acknowledges the importance of learning outside the classroom and promises to investigate the constraints on schools arising from unnecessary health and safety red tape or from teachers' pay and conditions. Anthony Thomas (OBE), Chair of the CLOtC board said: "We welcome the government's commitment to the CLOtC and the LOtC Quality Badge as a major mechanism for improving the quality of learning outside the classroom for all children and young people."

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