Embedded Files
The benefits of outdoor learning will be gained from taking any learning outside of the classroom, whether it is science, literacy, numeracy or any other learning. However, those learning experiences should ideally have an authentic and meaningful context.
Developing a sense of place and cynefin
Developing a sense of place and cynefin
One way of introducing this could be through the use of maps. These act as a window to the outside world and can add excitement and creativity into the learning. The use of maps is a cross-curricular skill that can enhance and deepen the learning in a number of disciplines whilst connecting the learners to an authentic context and supporting them in developing a sense of place.
In a report on the nature of cities, it describes the importance of supporting learners to develop a sense of place;
Sense of place—the way we perceive places such as streets, communities, cities or eco-regions —influences our well-being, how we describe and interact with a place, what we value in a place, our respect for ecosystems and other species, how we perceive the affordances of a place, our desire to build more sustainable and just urban communities, and how we choose to improve cities. Our sense of place also reflects our historical and experiential knowledge of a place, and helps us imagine its more sustainable future.
Creating authentic, cross-curricular learning experiences
Creating authentic, cross-curricular learning experiences
Encouraging all learners to explore local places through their learning encourages them to value and respect the areas in which they live. These skills are key to supporting learners to develop the characteristics of the four purposes, through using the integral skills, which underpins the all of the learning in Curriculum for Wales.
Online mapping programmes, such as Digimap for Schools or Google maps can be used to explore and learn about the local environment. A map of the local area or the school grounds could offer opportunities to develop cross AoLE projects such as:
explore and investigate our 'cynefin' through identifying local features, exploration and local historical and religious features.
develop plans for an improvement in the local area or the school grounds, such as a wildlife garden
exploring the local area and using place names as inspiration for developing a literacy task
using the map as a means to collect data on a local issue, such as traffic or noise pollution
creating an in school orienteering course for all learners in which pupils design the course and the markers
identifying from both the map and visits different habitats within the local area
using creativity and digital skills to develop a local map for an authentic purpose and audience
my_square_mile_book1.pdfFy Milltir Sgwâr / My Square Mile
In a project from 2005, schools in Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion collaborated with the Design Commission for Wales on a project cross curricular project to help learners connect with and understand their local area. This project suggests possible routes for learning through a cross-curricular approach and is as relevant now, as it was in 2005. This approach allows learners opportunities to explore their cynefin and develop a strong sense of place.
ERW guidance on using the online resource 'Digimap for Schools' is available to guide teachers and learners through some of the activities suggested. Through these activities teachers should be able to identify how this learning is supporting the learners to realise the characteristics of the four purposes.
Page updated
Report abuse