Outdoor Education

Learning in the Outdoors (LITO) - Outdoor Education

Agored Cymru Level 2 Extended Award

Learning in the Outdoors is a practical and engaging vocational programme that places education, personal development, and qualification attainment at its core. The programme supports learners, partner schools, and local authorities across Wales in securing accredited qualifications through meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Using the outdoors as the engagement mechanism, learners develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership while working towards recognised accreditation. The main focus of the programme is qualification achievement and developing the skills required for positive progression into further education, apprenticeships, training, and employment.

The programme is delivered by experienced outdoor education staff with extensive backgrounds in youth development and outdoor learning. Staff hold a wide range of relevant qualifications and maintain strong professional links with outdoor providers across Pembrokeshire and Wales. This ensures learners benefit from high-quality outdoor experiences while developing skills that prepare them for future progression. The vision of the programme is to provide outstanding standards of learning through inclusive, engaging, and supportive outdoor education.

Qualification Overview

The Agored Cymru Learning in the Outdoors Level 2 Extended Award has been designed to support learners in developing practical outdoor skills alongside essential employability and personal development skills. The qualification enables learners to understand how to participate safely in outdoor environments while developing confidence, independence, and responsibility.

The qualification has been developed with a strong focus on transferable skills that are highly valued in further education and employment. Learners develop key competencies such as teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and planning. Through participation in outdoor activities, learners also develop resilience, self-management, and the ability to work independently and as part of a group.

Learners will gain practical experience in a range of outdoor and environmental activities, while also developing an understanding of health, wellbeing, safety, and environmental responsibility. The qualification provides an excellent foundation for progression into vocational courses, apprenticeships, and employment across a wide range of sectors.

Enrichment Activities

Learners will take part in a wide range of enrichment opportunities designed to support personal growth and skill development. These may include outdoor education activities, environmental projects, team-building challenges, leadership activities, community engagement opportunities, and recognition or award events. Learners may also participate in visits to local outdoor environments, supporting real-world learning and skill application.

These experiences help learners build confidence, develop communication and leadership skills, and gain valuable experiences that support their personal and academic progression.

Programme Outline

The programme combines classroom learning with practical outdoor experiences. Approximately 50% of the course involves theory-based learning, delivered through engaging classroom activities that focus on understanding outdoor safety, planning, environmental awareness, and personal development. The remaining 50% of the programme involves practical outdoor activities, allowing learners to apply their skills and gather evidence towards their qualification.

Learners benefit from a wide range of learning experiences, including problem-solving activities, leadership opportunities, outdoor challenges, environmental learning, and personal development activities. This balanced approach ensures learners develop both knowledge and practical skills.

Assessment

All qualifications are portfolio-based, and there are no formal exams. Learners build a portfolio of evidence through practical participation, written work, photographs, and reflective activities. This allows learners to demonstrate their skills and progress in a supportive and inclusive environment, recognising individual strengths and achievements.

Do learners need prior outdoor experience or fitness?

No prior experience or specific fitness level is required. All activities are fully inclusive and adapted to suit individual ability levels. Learners are encouraged to participate and challenge themselves appropriately, with confidence and fitness developing naturally throughout the programme. The course promotes healthy lifestyles, wellbeing, and positive participation.

Progression and Career Development

The programme supports learners in making informed decisions about their future education and career pathways. Learners develop essential employability skills, personal confidence, and practical abilities that support progression into further education, vocational training, apprenticeships, or employment.

The qualification supports progression into areas such as outdoor education, public services, sport, environmental work, and vocational college courses. The programme aligns with the Curriculum for Wales by supporting the development of confident individuals, ambitious learners, and healthy, capable young people prepared for life and work.

Programme Duration

The programme is delivered across the academic year, following the school timetable. Learners build credits and develop their skills progressively, working towards achieving the Agored Cymru Level 2 Extended Award in Learning in the Outdoors.

Qualification Outcome

Learners will achieve an Agored Cymru Learning in the Outdoors qualification at Level 2, gaining a recognised vocational accreditation. This qualification supports progression into further education, training, and employment, while also developing essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, resilience, and independence.

The Learning in the Outdoors programme provides learners with valuable experiences, recognised qualifications, and the skills needed to succeed in education, employment, and life.

For further information contact: thomas.horton@yht.wales