ITC First has developed a new accredited qualification. The ITC Award in Learning Beyond the Classroom at SCQF Level 7, will provide teachers and outdoor leaders in the Scotland with an opportunity to gain essential skills and knowledge to facilitate and lead outdoor learning.
Integration and use of outdoor learning within mainstream education has increased over the past 2 years, as a result of covid19. It’s not just covid19, though the benefits of outdoor learning and education are widely known, providing opportunity for personal growth, emotional resilience, social skills and applying theoretical knowledge and skills in the ‘real world.’ There is a strategic drive at the moment from Scottish Government for school pupils to have the opportunity to go on residential field trips and engage in outdoor learning as part of the curriculum for excellence. The development of this qualification will allow teachers and others opportunity to facilitate this and develop their own skills to provide more opportunity for youngsters to get outdoors, learning in nature.
The qualification itself has been developed by experts in outdoor learning and education and is based on principles to allow teachers and others to take students outside of their normal classroom environment. It covers topics including risk-benefit analysis, managing groups, planning activity, delivering activity, review and recording. It is especially useful for teachers, teaching assistants and outdoor practitioners and will be a great addition to ongoing CPD.
The qualification is based on the already successful, Level 3 Learning Beyond the Classroom, which has been delivered under Ofqual regulation. It was developed with input and support from outdoor education experts, the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) and Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC). The new SCQF Level 7 version has also been given support, in principle from an MSP, championing outdoor learning in Scotland.
ITC First CEO, Mark Moore said “this qualification is just the latest stage in the movement to get more folk learning in the outdoors. We’re hoping that this qualification will help people break down any potential barriers, step outside of their buildings and make use of the wonderful outdoor spaces at schools and in their local areas.”
The qualification is available now. Any members of the public interested in completing this qualification should contact ITC First for further information.
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More about ITC First
ITC First (www.itcfirst.org.uk) is a Hartlepool based Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual and Awarding Body regulated by SQA Accreditation. ITC First develops, maintains and supports regulated qualifications, offered by Centres across the UK and wider afield. It typically specialises in qualifications that support outdoor and remote workers and has a legacy of supporting outdoor education and the renewable energy sector.
Qualification Information – ITC Website
Contact: mark@itcfirst.org.uk
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