OPAL Conference 2013
Escape The Classroom Conference
University of Derby hosted a free-one day Education Environmental Conference on Saturday 9 February 2013 organised by OPAL East Midlands. It was aimed at all people involved in teaching who want to take their learning outdoors and wished to increase the confidence of teachers, trainee teachers, teaching assistants, and all those wanting to take their learning outside the classroom. The conference was designed to provide practical activities as well as networking opportunities for delegates to meet environmental education providers in their region.
Over 150 delegates attended the event, with the majority coming from primary schools across the East Midlands. The conference included an inspirational opening talk by Gordon MacLellan (aka Creeping Toad) and a lively 'Market Place' featuring stands from over 40 local and national organisations. During the day delegates were able to attend three out of a possible 10 workshops. The workshops were designed to inspire primary and secondary teachers and covered a range of topics, including:
- Scientific Enquiry in your School Grounds and local environment
- Demystifying the misconceptions of outdoor learning: Why you don't have to be an eco superhero to use your school grounds
- Eco Schools - The Birds and the Bees! - A practical workshop on using your school grounds for learning enrichment and to be awarded Eco School status
- Maths Naturally - discover how learning in the fresh air can develop an enthusiasm for maths, as well as deepen mathematical understanding and thinking
The conference provided a bank of resources to help teachers/educators engage children and young people in outdoor learning. Many delegates said that they had made new contacts with 'like-minded people' and we know that several teachers have subsequently been in contact with the workshop providers to discuss future engagement.
By bringing together teachers, environmental educators, and organisations together we hoped to encourage lasting partnerships to support outdoor learning in the East Midlands.
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