Adventurous activities
Young people gain enormously from adventurous outdoor activities. Tackling a challenging experience successfully has a huge impact on self-confidence, and research shows that this directly affects classroom attainment. Working purposefully with others, particularly in a residential environment, will help to develop self-awareness, social skills, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Adventurous activity also helps young people to learn to manage risk, in a controlled environment. These activities can fulfil all of the Every Child Matters outcomes, engage those who are not engaged by team games, and provide a lot of fun!
Make its
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority
AALA issues licences to commercial providers of adventure activities to young people. The website contains guidance on good practice in the outdoors and self-assessment guidelines that are useful in planning. A range of case studies is also included. www.aals.org.uk
Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres
AHOEC is a membership organisation of outdoor education providers in both residential and non-residential centres. Members abide by their Code of Practice for quality and safety standards. The site shows membership centres by region. www.ahoec.org/
British Activity Holiday Association
BAHA is a membership organisation of adventure holiday providers. Members abide by their Code of Practice for quality and safety standards. The site shows membership currency. www.baha.org.uk
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
A voluntary, non-competitive, flexible programme of cultural and adventurous activities for all young people, whatever their background or ability. www.theaward.org/
English Outdoor Council
An umbrella body for those involved in outdoor education, training and recreation. Their website includes information on the benefits of outdoor education and links to member bodies. www.englishoutdoorcouncil.org
Geography Outdoors
A centre supporting field research, exploration and outdoor learning (formerly the Expedition Advisory Centre). It provides information, training and advice to anyone involved in expeditions, field research or outdoor learning in the UK and overseas. www.rgs.org/OurWork/Fieldwork+and+Expeditions/Fieldwork++introduction.htm
Health and Safety
Information on pupil health and safety during all off-site educational visits.
www.teachernet.gov.uk/visits
Institute for Outdoor Learning
This site is aimed at teachers of all subjects and all ages, with specific guidance available for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It includes research evidence on the value of outdoor learning, plus advice on health and safety, curriculum links and opportunities for professional development. www.outdoor-learning.org
Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel
Provides information and advice, including courses for education visit coordinators and visit leaders, details of Outdoor Education Advisers in local authorities, and the OEAP outdoor-learning cards. www.oeap.info
School Travel Forum
A group of school tour operators that adhere to an externally verified Code of Practice and Safety Management Standards. www.schooltravelforum.com/
