Residential Centre - Scoughall

The Scoughall experience is designed to integrate outdoor learning, adventure sports and school based learning to support delivery of curriculum outcomes, including Literacy, Numeracy, STEM, HWB, Transition, Leadership. The P7 programme is designed specifically to help support a successful P7 Transition.

Outdoor Learning staff will work closely with the school to deliver preparatory lessons in school, prior to the residential. Whilst at Scoghall, adventurous activities will be led by Outdoor Learning staff with the opportunity for school staff to support delivery where appropriate.

The venue is Scoughall, near Ravenshaugh Sands between North Berwick and Dunbar. The site is a short walk from one of the largest beaches in East Lothian. The surrounding area offers a wealth of opportunities for activities and outdoor learning.

The programme is designed with sustainability in mind.  This includes minimal use of motorised transport and healthy home made food.

Priority will be given to:
*Schools who have Outdoor Learning (within LfS) as an approach to curriculum delivery in their School Improvement Plan / Curriculum Rationale

The programme:

Part A – In school lessons delivered by Outdoor Learning, in partnership with class teachers, directly relating to relevant experiences and outcomes. All lessons are linked to preparation, transition and leadership. There is no cost to the school or pupils for Part A

Part B – adventure days and overnights. The young people will be immersed in the experience of looking after themselves and others. Responsibilities will include looking after their living areas, preparing food and cleaning up after mealtimes. Evening activities will include games, challenges and a camp fire. There is a cost to school/pupils for Part B

Activities will be dependent on a variety of factors, including weather. Programme outcomes can be developed in conjunction with schools staff. Specific activities to achieve these outcomes will remain flexible.  Please ensure that all parents/carers/pupils/staff are aware of possible last minute programme changes. Activities may include:

• Navigation - Adventure Journey

• Orienteering - Games/ Competition

• Water - Coasteering/ Beach Explore / Extreme rock pooling/ Raft Building/ Water Based Problem Solving

• Ropes - Climbing/ Scrambling/ Ropework

• Wheels - Trail Cycling/ Skills Course

• Search & Rescue

• Problem solving and Team Building Challenges - inc. Night Line, Challenge Course, Archery, Caving, Fire

• STEM Activities

Groups:
Scoughall can comfortably accommodate up to 50 young people between the main building and cabins. Larger year groups are welcome to book consecutive weeks but please get in touch as early as possible as availability is limited. Smaller school are encouraged to join up with other ELC schools as part of transition. The pupils will be split into smaller groups (approx.10) for activities.

Cost (2026/27):
5 days & 4 nights - £324 per pupil
4 days & 3 nights - £262 per pupil (Original P7 Camp)
3 days & 2 nights - £198 per pupil

N.B. There is NO cost for ADULT staff/helpers.  The overall programme cost is subsidised by East Lothian Council. The parental contribution for the activity days, in addition to curricular content, is covering the costs of accommodation, food & additional staff employed to deliver the activities. Please note the price does not include transport to and from the venue.

**Schools will not be charged until AFTER the event and only for those pupils who took part**

Transport (Drop off & Pick Up):
Pupil Drop Off - is at the bottom of Limetree Walk.  The pupils will need to arrive in clothes and footwear for walking, carrying a small bag (school rucksack is fine) containing waterproofs/ lunch/ drink & medication if needed.  Outdoor Learning Staff will meet the groups, the adventure starts here!

Bag Drop Off - will be at Scoughall

Pupil & Bag Pick Up - is at Scouhall

Arriving at Scoughall, on foot, from the beach adds to the sense of adventure!

What the school need to provide:
* a link teacher who will support delivery of the classroom aspect of the programme
* a member of staff (or volunteer helper with an East Lothian PVG) for each activity group attending, the minimum staffing ratio is 1:10 with a minimum of 2 staff per school.  Ideally the school should provide at least 1 extra adult above and beyond minimum ratios.
* ensure pupils turn up with suitable clothing/ equipment/ any medication needed
*organise transport to and from the venue (to keep costs down this could be the ELC green buses, parents car sharing etc.)

Sample Programme – Click Here

Visual Supports - Click Here (Thanks to Clare Palmer-Fairbairn, HT, St. Martin's RC Primary School)

Key Benefits of the East Lothian Residentials over other External Providers:

• Low cost per pupil – significantly lower than any other comparable adventurous activity providers

• High Quality - Designed & delivered by very experienced teachers and specialist instructional staff

• In school lessons and preparation linked to a core text - all linked to the curriculum to support increasing attendance & raising attainment

• Flexible timings & programme - Tailored to suit pupil needs & school priorities

• Minimal travel time – maximising time for adventure and learning & reducing travel costs

• Local proximity – enabling staff rotation, senior leadership visits, high school guidance visits, family drop offs & pick ups

• No extra cost for staff – bring as many PVG-checked staff or volunteers as needed, everyone welcome to join in activities & meals

• Inclusive options – day/ part day participation for pupils with additional needs or who may not usually participate in a residential at all

• Nutritious, homemade meals – with minimal ultra-processed ingredients

• Pupil involvement in cooking & preparation - along with life skills to promote healthy eating

• Pre-camp site visits – available for pupils, parents or staff who may benefit

• Post-camp billing – only pay for pupils who attend

• Not for profit council service 

To book: 

1. Have a look at the table at the bottom of this webpage for availability (can only be viewed if logged into edubuzz)

2. Complete a Request Form

3. Residential Visit online business aspects training for Residential off-site trips MUST be completed by at least one member of staff attending

4. EVOLVE – this planning and approval form must be started as soon as your booking is confirmed and submitted well in advance of the activities.  The EVOLVE form should be filled in by the Visit Leader who has completed the Residential Visit business aspects training  N.B. Select Multi-activity when asked for the adventurous activities. Start the form now – EVOLVE here

5. Letter to Parents – download the template and amend to suit here

6. Informed Parental Consent Forms – here

7. Equipment List – this should be given to all staff & pupils here

8. Letter to Staff/Volunteers – download the template and amend to suit here

9. Complete an Essential Information form 

10. School Visits further information and forms can be downloaded from East Lothian EduHub

11. Pupil record of achievement. Pre/post camp workbook here 

Programmes are always flexible and may need to be changed at the very last minute depending on weather conditions, tides, staffing, group ability etc. Alternate activities that form part of the overall programme will be provided and similar outcomes achieved. We will do our best to inform you of these changes ASAP but in reality this may be the morning of, or possibly even during the activity. This is the nature of Outdoor Learning (especially in Scotland). Please make sure your staff, children and parents are aware of this.