We are delighted to announce that Eco Drama’s award-winning outdoor learning project Out to Play is returning in autumn 2019 for a third year!
We are currently looking for partner primary schools across Greater Glasgow to participate in the project during August – November 2019. We are also holding a twilight Out to Play CPD session on Wednesday 8th May in Glasgow, open to teachers and nursery staff from across the central belt.
Out to Play is a unique arts-based outdoor learning project that uses Drama & Storytelling as tools to engage and develop learners and teachers in the subject area of Learning for Sustainability.
To date, Eco Drama has worked with 16 primary schools and nurseries in Glasgow, reaching 2,832 children and 400 teachers with the project. Following on from the successful pilot in 2015, the project went on to win the Glasgow City Council Environmental Initiative Award 2016, and Eco Drama are now delivering a full scale project spanning 4 project years 2017-2021, collaborating with approximately 28 primary schools and nurseries, with priority given to schools within the more disadvantaged areas across Greater Glasgow. The project is estimated to reach more than 5,000 children and 600 teachers with tailored arts-based outdoor learning experiences and teacher CPD workshops and resources.
Each participating school works with a Drama Artist for either a full 5 week outdoor learning residency, or mini 1 week Out to Play residency, connecting children and young people with the natural world through quality creative learning sessions delivered in school playgrounds. We also offer 1 day Out to Play sessions, however, for the most in-depth and impactful experience for children and teaching staff, the full 5 week residency is highly recommended. Out to Play has a strong Continued Professional Development element for Teachers, with CPD sessions, a teacher led week, and Out to Play resource packs included in the experience. The project is designed to ensure a lasting legacy with the advancement of staff knowledge, confidence and skills, empowering teachers to deliver arts-based outdoor learning for many years to come and have ‘Out to Play’ sessions become part of your school’s weekly timetable.
Out to Play has so far inspired 400 teachers across Glasgow with the confidence and skills to deliver arts-based outdoor learning in their everyday teaching practice.
Watch our 2018 Out to Play documentary which includes first hand testimonials from teachers.
Out to Play with Eco Drama from Eco Drama on Vimeo. Or watch on You Tube here.
How do schools get involved?
To discuss becoming a partner school, or to sign up to the CPD session on May 8th, please email Emily Reid, Artistic Director on emily@ecodrama.co.uk or call the Eco Drama office: 0141 552 9920 to discuss and register your schools interest.
Reviews from previous Out to Play participants:
“I hadn’t realised the power of imagination within outdoor learning.”
Irene Boyle, Corpus Christi Primary
“A fantastic way to encourage children to become explorers of the world.”
Deborah Reid, Merrylee Primary School
“A wonderful experience for the children and myself. A fresh look on how to develop Outdoor Learning in a more creative manner. Fantastic experience!”
Tommy Hynes, Corpus Christi Primary
“Thank you for teaching us. This program has made me aware of nature and made me more confident and happy”
Aini, P6 Pupil St Vincent’s Primary School
“I really enjoyed the adventures!”
P3 Pupil, Aultmore Park Primary School
“I loved it because nature is what is inside me. Thank you for everything. It has been a delight.”
Leona, P4 Pupil, Balornock Primary School
