Outdoor learning offers unique opportunities to extend the potential of our children and young people. We learn in
context and through experience and place. Therefore, we need to offer different and challenging experiences to stimulate
their learning and development. Learning beyond the classroom, in all its forms, can make a huge contribution to this.
East Ayrshire Council has had a ranger service since 1981 which has offered an environmental education programme
for schools throughout East Ayrshire. Over the last 5 years there has been a change of focus from traditional nature
based walks to activities which assist the classroom teacher in delivering cross curricular objectives.
The development of the Curriculum for Excellence has given Countryside Services the opportunity to develop the
environmental education programme in partnership with Education and Social Services’ Quality Improvement team.
This new programme will be curriculum and project driven. It will be children led and will encourage personal, social
and community education allowing opportunities for early years, primary, secondary and tertiary education providers
Online bookings will be available soon. For bookings in the meantime please email info@deancastle.com or telephone 01563 522702
For schools that are looking for an environmental education booking with the Countryside Ranger Service which is not linked to the Curriculum for Excellence please fill out our online enquiry form (coming soon)
This booking service is for the Ranger Service only. For castle bookings please contact 01563 554902
Visits from schools within East Ayrshire are free of charge. There is a £2 charge per head for schools outwith East Ayrshire. 2 adults per class are permitted free of charge
Section 1: Formal Environmental Education
Section 2: Self Guided Resources
Section 3:
This is the International Year of Biodiversity and there are lots of ways that you can take part.
• Plant some Plants! Plant a tree
• Do a survey – whether birds, mini beasts, what's in the school grounds, what's in your back yard
• Build a pond
• Put up Bird and or Bat boxes. What about an insect box?
• Put out food for animals
• Find out about Native Scottish Species
• Speak to local wildlife groups to find out more e.g. Scottish Wildlife Trust; British Trust for Conservation Volunteers; Ayrshire Rivers Trust
All of which can help with aspects of Eco Schools.
There are loads of web sites that can provide information on this yearlong event and there are web sites providing information on wildlife – here are just a few.
http://www.snh.org.uk/scottish/2010yearofbiodiversity.asp
http://www.bgci.org/resources/news/0662/
http://www.culture24.org.uk/teachers/ideas+%2526+resources/art76095
http://www.unesco.org.uk/2010_international_year_of_biodiversity
www.unesco.org.uk/unesco_associated_schools
http://www.snh.org.uk/biodiversityweek/promotion.asp
Some of the above are offering free resources and others competitions - have a look at UK National Commission for UNESCO is launching a Biodiversity Information Pack and Competition for schools. Their pack practical suggestions for how schools can celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity and examples of how UNESCO helps protect biodiversity in the UK, including case studies from two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and natural World Heritage Sites which have distinct biodiversity. The deadline for competition entries is 28 May 2010 and winners will be announced at end of June.
Keep an eye on Glow for more information and what the Local Authority is doing to promote this initiative.
