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Schools failing to introduce learning outside classroom

02/10/2008

Some schools and colleges are failing to incorporate activities outside the classroom aimed at furthering children's education, a report has claimed.

The new study by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) published today claims that well-planned activities not only enhance pupils' learning, but can also re-engage those who are hard to motivate.

School trips, after-hours sports and clubs all increase pupils' enjoyment and achievement in their subjects, the Ofsted study found.

Ofsted claim that some schools are currently deterred by the activities due to health and safety, financial and workload concerns.

However, the authors claim "those schools which have curricular provision classed as 'outstanding' or 'improving' have overcome these barriers".

Few teachers or even head-teachers were found to be aware of the Department for Children, Schools and Families' learning outside the classroom manifesto, launched two years ago, with the aim of encouraging more off-site learning.

Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, said: "The positive impact of learning outside the classroom is widely recognised, but unfortunately it is sometimes seen as an extra or a treat, rather than as an integral part of the curriculum."