West Dunbartonshire pair win recognition for teaching in nature

Sarah Riach from Bonhill Primary School and Emily Oates from Clydebank High were awarded Professional Recognition in Outdoor Learning from The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), having taken part in the Teaching in Nature project.

Professional Recognition is awarded by the GTCS to teachers who develop their knowledge, understanding and practice in a particular area to the benefit of their pupils and colleagues.

The Teaching in Nature project, run by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in partnership with Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (LLTNP), connects groups of teachers with people who know and love a local natural place, such as reserve managers, countryside rangers and Friends groups. Providing more outdoor learning information and opportunities is one of the key aims of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.

Sarah, Emily and colleagues met LLTNP Authority staff at Balmaha and on the island of Inchcailloch to learn about the National Park and discuss its teaching potential, before planning and delivering a series of visits to the National Park with their pupils. They also engaged in professional reading and research on outdoor learning, and substantial personal reflection.   

Sharon Cunningham, SNH’s Outdoor Learning Officer, said: “The benefits of outdoor experiences for young people’s learning and wellbeing are now well recognised and learning outdoors is an important part of the Scottish curriculum. We are pleased that GTCS has recognised the benefits of the Teaching in Nature approach and accredited our programme, meaning we can award teachers who successfully complete the programme with Professional Recognition in Outdoor Learning.  It is extremely rewarding to work with teachers like Sarah and Emily and support them through the next stage in their professional development.”

Sarah and Emily believe Teaching in Nature has had a positive impact on their practice. Sarah said: “This experience has definitely increased my confidence in taking children outdoors and teaching them about nature. My relationship with the children has also grown deeper: I believe that children see you in a different light when learning outdoors.”

Emily added: “I am going to make a more conscious effort to ensure that I plan more regular use of the outdoors to enhance learning. I am yet to explore all areas around my school and, who knows, I am sure there are many more fantastic local areas like Balmaha and Inchcailloch that I didn’t know existed before!”

And Alison Cush, LLTNP Education and Inclusion Advisor, stressed the project can also be beneficial for site managers, commenting: “Teaching in Nature allows teachers access to and experience of the National Park without being a huge draw on our time – something that is desperately valuable, particularly during the busy spring and summer months. Our staff have also learned a lot from the teachers who have taken part; it is a project that benefits both sides.” 

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

Teaching in Nature supports groups of teachers to work together to use a nearby place special for nature to plan, implement and evaluate challenging and fun outdoor learning experiences for their pupils. It combines collaborative, practical and online learning to support teachers through the next stage in their outdoor learning journey.  For more information visit http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-scotlands-nature/resources-for-teaching/professional-learning-for-educators/

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) is the independent professional body which promotes and regulates the teaching profession in Scotland. GTCS Professional Recognition provides the opportunity teachers to focus on and develop their professional learning in particular areas of interest and/or expertise and gain recognition for enhancing their knowledge, understanding and practice.