EVC Summer 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 46
Outdoor learning
Putting
adventure
on the
curriculum
Joanna Barnett, Chief Executive of the
Institute for Outdoor Learning, reports on a
successful event at Westminster to promote
the benefits of outdoor learning
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Learning
(APPG-OL) hosted a successful MPs’ drop-in event in
March at Westminster to celebrate all things Outdoor
Learning and the inclusion of ʻnature, outdoors and
adventure’ in the English Enrichment Curriculum.
There was a particular focus on the equity of access
to nature learning opportunities, supporting mental
health and wellbeing through outdoor activities and
the evaluation of the Adventures Away from Home
programme.
Tim Farron MP, Chair of the APPG-OL and a leading
advocate in Parliament for outdoor learning, said:
“The barriers include risk aversion, lack of
funding, lack of training, resource pressures
on schools… but it is so vital to young people.
Not only for their sense of worth, sense of
value and leadership skills, but also for being in
uncomfortable situations so they can find their
way out. How much better would it be if we
could build resilience in young people so that
we minimise some of the mental health issues
later in life?”
A moment in the MPs’ APPG-OL drop-in event at Westminster: (L-R) Dr
Sarah Collins, Nick Beighton (OL Ambassador and Paralympian), The
Earl Russell, Dr Kaye Richards, Manuela Perteghella MP, Tim Farron MP
(APPG-OL Chair), Ellis Munro (OL Ambassador for Young People), David
Watts, Sir Julian Lewis and Keeley Rodgers
GET INVOLVED!
Help keep outdoor learning 昀椀rmly in the minds of
Westminster politicians:
Add your school’s outdoor learning provision to the
online outdoor learning map, a resource to help
MPs see what’s happening in their constituency.
→outdoor-learning.org/voice/governmentengagement/outdoor-learning-digital-map.html
Invite your MP to visit your school and learn
about your outdoor learning provision and
how it benefits your students.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The next key piece of work for the APPG for Outdoor Learning is an
‘Access and Equity Review on Outdoor Learning from a Curriculum
Enrichment Perspective’.
Keep up to date through the webpage →outdoor-learning.org/voice/
government-engagement/appg-ol.html
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