Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie McGrigor has spoken out in support of outdoor learning.
Speaking recently, meeting Scottish Teacher of the Year Jenny McAllister at the Scottish Parliament, Jamie endorsed outdoor learning in Highlands & Islands schools, saying:
“The Highlands & Islands has some of Europe’s most outstanding wild places, and I support any moves to encourage our young people to learn about these and appreciate the very special natural environment we have here”.
Jenny McAllister and Jamie McGrigor MSP, with Scottish Seabird Centre mascot Tammie the Puffin
(Photo: Scottish Seabird Centre)
Jenny McAllister, who is Education Officer at the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick, and the first non-classroom teacher to win the Scottish Teacher of the Year award, said:
“In my childhood I loved playing outdoors, but in one generation that has changed. Children have become more tied to indoor pursuits, and that has led to a gap between people and nature. That’s why I see learning outside the classroom as being so important".
Enthusing about what she describes as "vital learning experiences in the natural environment", Jenny said:
“It’s incredibly fulfilling for teachers like me to see the difference that this sort of learning can make to a child’s life”.
Eighteen months ago, the Scottish Seabird Centre, which is an independent visitor attraction and a conservation and education charity, opened a Seaside School for outdoor learning, where Jenny encourages children to learn and develop through outdoors experiences.
Existing opportunities available in the Highlands & Islands for outdoor learning include Cairngorms-based Craggan Outdoors and the John Muir Award scheme.