Teaching in nature
Update: This programme is not currently running.
A partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage and West Dunbartonshire Council.
We are working with Scottish Natural Heritage to support 15 teachers from West Dunbartonshire on a yearlong professional development programme on outdoor learning.
The Teaching in Nature programme matches teachers with experts in nature and wildlife – in this case staff from the National Park – to help them plan visits to the outdoors and make links to other parts of the school curriculum.
The nursery, primary and secondary school teachers met in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for the first stage of the Teaching in Nature programme in November.
The programme has recently been endorsed by the General Teaching Council for Scotland – so teachers who successfully complete it will be awarded Professional Recognition in Outdoor Learning.
It’s widely recognised that spending time outside is good for young people’s learning, behaviour and physical and emotional health. Although learning outdoors is an integral part of the curriculum across all subjects, some teachers need support to fully bring it into their work and Teaching in Nature helps them do just this.
The programme encourages the teachers to work together to share plans and experiences, overcome challenges and push their boundaries.
Helping teachers from West Dunbartonshire to make more use of the National Park for outdoor learning is a fantastic way to make sure more young people from the area get to experience the inspiring landscape on their doorstep.