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28/09/2004
Outdoor education overshadowed by litigation culture
Pupils are being denied outdoor education because of teachers' fears of litigation according to a new report by Ofsted.
While the 'Outdoor Education, Aspects of Good Practice' report outlines the benefits of outdoor education to 'students' physical, personal and social development', it reveals that fear of litigation is the main deterrent for schools at present.
Coupled with pressures on curriculum time and a lack of specialist expertise, most secondary schools consider outdoor education a minority area in the physical education curriculum. Limits on the number of pupils who can go on the courses and the cost to the school means that many pupils who would like to participate are not able to.
However, David Bell, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, said it was important that pupils enjoyed the full aspects of outdoor activities: "Outdoor activities both at school and on residential courses enable pupils to enjoy challenging and unfamiliar experiences that test and develop their physical, social and personal skills. They can be among the most memorable experiences for pupils of their school-days."
Ofsted's latest report also found that outdoor education thrives in those schools where headteachers promote the PE curriculum and outdoors off-site, day or residential experiences.
Inspectors said that residential centres offer excellent accommodation and resources. Students can also avail of a wide range of activities including canoeing, rock climbing, archery, orienteering and sailing.
(mmcg/mb)
While the 'Outdoor Education, Aspects of Good Practice' report outlines the benefits of outdoor education to 'students' physical, personal and social development', it reveals that fear of litigation is the main deterrent for schools at present.
Coupled with pressures on curriculum time and a lack of specialist expertise, most secondary schools consider outdoor education a minority area in the physical education curriculum. Limits on the number of pupils who can go on the courses and the cost to the school means that many pupils who would like to participate are not able to.
However, David Bell, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, said it was important that pupils enjoyed the full aspects of outdoor activities: "Outdoor activities both at school and on residential courses enable pupils to enjoy challenging and unfamiliar experiences that test and develop their physical, social and personal skills. They can be among the most memorable experiences for pupils of their school-days."
Ofsted's latest report also found that outdoor education thrives in those schools where headteachers promote the PE curriculum and outdoors off-site, day or residential experiences.
Inspectors said that residential centres offer excellent accommodation and resources. Students can also avail of a wide range of activities including canoeing, rock climbing, archery, orienteering and sailing.
(mmcg/mb)
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