Learning Outside the Classroom

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.

To make this a reality, a Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto has been launched.

The Manifesto acts as a shared statement of intent for all who see the benefits to young people and want to help bring about this vision of high quality, meaningful learning experiences for all.

1. We will provide all young people with a wide range of experiences outside the classroom, including extended school activities and one or more residential visits.
2. We will make a strong case for learning outside the classroom, so there is widespread appreciation of the unique contribution these experiences make to young people's lives.
3. We will offer learning experiences of agreed high quality.
4. We will improve training and professional development opportunities for schools and the wider workforce.
5. We will better enable schools, local authorities and other key organisations to manage visits safely and efficiently.
6. We will provide easy access to information, knowledge, expertise, guidance and resources.
7. We will identify ways of engaging parents, carers and the wider community in learning outside the classroom.

We recognise the value of learning outside the classroom and support this vision. As signatories Playforce have endorsed the aims of Learning Outside the Classroom.

Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto

Playforce is delighted to support the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, which was launched by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on 28 November 2006.

The Manifesto is a ‘movement’ or joint undertaking that many different stakeholders have helped to create and to which anyone can sign up. We support the Manifesto because we believe it will help to ensure that all children and young people have a variety of high quality experiences outside the classroom environment, as an essential part of their learning and development.

Playforce recognises the value of Learning Outside the Classroom and supports the Manifesto’s vision and aims. We have therefore already endorsed the Manifesto along with over 330 other organisations, schools and individuals by becoming a signatory.

As the role of the Manifesto is to make a difference, Playforce has also pledged our support by making public the actions we are taking or intend to take to deliver high quality learning outside the classroom.

We will therefore be working with schools, local authorities and the many other organisations committed to providing an exciting range of teaching and learning opportunities outside the classroom.