North York Moors National Park
 

Learning Zone

Learning Outside the Classroom

 

The North York Moors National Park Authority supports the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Manifesto and is committed to:   Children identifying freshwater invertebrates

  • promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public; 
  • work practically and strategically with a range of partner agencies, at local and national levels, to promote learning outside the classroom, especially in National Parks; 
  • work with a wide audience including those from urban areas, black and minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities and young people;
  • inspire people through outdoor learning experiences to help care for the environment and for National Parks in particular and to make choices in their daily lives that will benefit the environment. 

What is the Quality Badge? The National Park Education Service has been awarded the Quality Badge                               

  • The LOtC Quality badge is a national benchmark that accredits providers of learning outside the classroom offering good quality educational experiences and managing risk effectively
  • The Quality Badge is recognised across all sectors offering LOtC experiences including overseas expeditions, adventurous activities, heritage, art, farming and countryside, so teachers only need to look for one badge when taking children out and about
  • The Quality Badge provides assurance to teachers and parents regarding safety and quality of learning
  • The Quality Badge is endorsed by the Outdoor Education Advisors' Panel which asks that their Local Authority members request that teachers look for the LOtC Quality Badge when planning educational visits.  
  • To find out more go to www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk   

The North York Moors National Park Education Service is proud to have been awarded the LOtC Quality Badge and is committed to providing learning experiences which are high quality, safe and fun.

The Service works with schools and community groups to help them access and learn about the National Park. Expert staff deliver curriculum linked activities to groups within the National Park and in schools and colleges in and around the Park. A wide range of informal learning opportunities for families and adults is also provided through our events programme.

The National Park Education Service will work with and seek to influence national education agendas such as Every Child Matters, Sustainable Schools and the National Curriculum to promote opportunities for learning outside the classroom and to raise awareness in schools of the tremendous resources for learning available through our national parks.      

Britain’s National Parks contain our finest landscapes and wildlife habitats including mountains, moorland, woodland and heathland, traditional farmland and historic buildings, archaeological sites, lakes, rivers and coasts. As well as providing opportunities for learning, recreation and exercise these areas offer space, tranquility and an invaluable contrast to urban lifestyles. It is important that all young people have the opportunity to experience these places and their special qualities. Today’s young people are the residents, visitors, landowners and decision makers of the future and it is essential that they grow up with an awareness of the immense value of these places in order to help ensure that future generations are well placed to benefit from them too. 

The Learning Outside the Classroom website is designed to help teachers and practitioners provide high quality experiences outside the classroom for children and young people.