English Outdoor Council
It has
been another exciting year with a lot of positive activities to report.
Potentially the most significant of these has been the publication of the
Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto. Following
the launch in November, we were a little disappointed with the slow rate of
progress but, in the last few months, the momentum has increased, with the
development of a comprehensive action plan, employment of a PR company and
tenders invited for an “Out and About” package and for a safety and quality
badging scheme.
We have
been involved in the Manifesto in three ways.
First, we have continued to feed in ideas and suggestions to contribute
to its development. Second, I have
agreed to represent the adventurous activities sector on the Manifesto Advisory
Group and Tony Thomas is representing the natural environment sector.
Third, we have continued to make the broader political points directly to
Ministers in the new Department for Children, Schools and Families.
As part of
this process, we published a new position paper in June 2007, entitled “A
Spirit of Adventure in Today’s Society”.
This provides detailed evidence on the contribution that learning outside
the classroom, particularly in a residential context has had on societal
targets. It argues the case for an
entitlement to learning outside the classroom and for funding for those young
people who would otherwise be unable to afford that powerful educational
experience. It also emphasises that
early interventions to tackle societal problems make economic sense.
A copy is available on www.englishoutdoorcouncil.org.
EOC has
played a role in catalysing a number of positive initiatives during the year.
One was the publication of a very comprehensive summary of the evidence
for the benefits of outdoor learning, compiled by Roger Greenaway and published
on the IOL website. Another was a
successful conference jointly organised by Brathay and IOL to promote learning
outside the classroom which was held soon after the publication of the
Manifesto.
A number
of very positive milestones have taken place in society’s progress towards a
balanced attitude to risks and benefits. HSE
published a set of principles on sensible risk management.
The Better Regulation Commission published an excellent set of
recommendations on Risk, Responsibility and Regulation.
During the year, the Compensation Act became law, a major step forward in
preventing a decline into a compensation culture.
In view of
this progress and the substantially positive media coverage that is now given to
risk and adventure, we can say that the initial aims of the Campaign for
Adventure have been very largely achieved. However,
that is no reason to rest on our laurels. EOC
remains the parent body of the campaign and has reviewed its direction, with a
view to continuing to communicate aspirational,
positive messages to ensure that adventure, exploration and enterprise are fully
valued and supported.
Chair
5 July 2007