Outdoor CPD Adventure!

This month we finalised our Out to Play project with 4 CPD sessions in Glasgow, taking teachers from the classroom to the playground enjoying some outdoor fun!

Looking at the unique role of Drama and Storytelling within Outdoor Learning, Drama Artist Ben Mali McFadyen, the Eco Drama Team and 93 enthusiastic primary teachers used their imagination to explore playgrounds, play games and listen to some special storytelling.

We shared experiences and reflected on how to integrate outdoor learning techniques into the school curriculum and how best to engage pupils with natural environments in exciting and creative ways. In all types of mischievous Glasgow weather of course!

Over 4 days in September, 93 teachers took part from across 33 Glasgow Primary Schools all leaving with their very own Out to Play Outdoor Learning Resource Pack!

We were blown away by the overwhelmingly positive feedback as teachers expressed their enjoyment and engagement with Ben’s lively and informed outdoor sessions.

“Best CPD event I have been to in ages.” Catriona Brown, Battlefield Primary

“Excellent ideas and superb resource which I intend to use ASAP.” Ellie Henderson, Knightswood Primary

“Lots of practical ideas and activities that can be used with my class. I didn’t really have many ideas before this but now I have been provided with lots.” Nicole Stephenson, Aultmore Park Primary

“This CPD session gave me lots of good ideas on how to incorporate outdoor learning into my teaching practice” Amanda Deary, St Maria Goretti Primary

“I hadn’t realised the power of imagination within outdoor learning. Really informative session, lots of ideas to start with. Thank you.” Irene Boyle, Corpus Christi Primary

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The Teacher CPD sessions were the culmination of our Out to Play project in which Drama Artist Ben collaborated with 4 Glasgow Primary schools from March to June 2015 in a 13 week residency at each school.

The CPD was the perfect chance to share the resources and experiences that were born from the Out to Play residencies and further connected Glasgow schools with a cross curricular way to implement Outdoor Learning Plans.

The 4 Glasgow Primary Schools each hosted their own CPD event, giving the visiting teachers the chance to hear from teachers involved in the Out to Play project. St Vincent’s, Balornock, Corpus Christi and Aultmore Park Primary each shared their own unique viewpoints, encouraging and inspiring the visiting teachers to begin their own outdoor learning voyages!

The Out to Play Resource Pack

We gave every teacher attending the Out to Play CPD sessions their very own Resource Pack. Developed and written by Ben Macfadyen, the pack contains 8 detailed session plans and accompanying stories, tailored for each age and stage in the curriculum.  Ben shares the techniques, games, songs, drama ideas and stories that he used during the Out to Play Residencies.

Full of helpful tips, inspiration and creative practice, this 72 page resource book is simply bursting with ideas to empower teachers to lead their own creative and interdisciplinary learning journeys outside. Perfect for those looking to incorporate creative learning techniques outdoors in accessible and enjoyable ways. 

To see a sample section of the resource book or to order a copy please follow this link.

“Helpful, fun and now I want to go back to school and have a go! Alison Kerr, Antonine Primary

“The thought of outdoor learning sessions with the pupils was rather scary. However I feel much more confident now and look forward to trying new ideas. Thank you for an enjoyable interesting CPD Experience.” Marie McGill, Corpus Christi Primary