Taking learning outside
Curriculum for Excellence offers opportunities for all children and young people to enjoy first-hand experience outdoors, whether within the school grounds, in urban green spaces, in Scotland’s countryside or in wilder environments.
Such experiences inspire passion, motivating our children and young people to become successful learners and to develop as healthy, confident, enterprising and responsible citizens.
The core values of Curriculum for Excellence echo the key concepts of outdoor learning: challenge, enjoyment, relevance, depth, development of the whole person and an adventurous approach to learning.
Ref: Education Scotland
The John Muir Award is a national environmental award scheme. It encourages people to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places. The Award is open to all and is run by the John Muir Trust. Pupils at Castlemilk High have the opportunity to achieve their Award both in school and at outdoor locations such as Cathkin Braes and its surrounding areas.
We have a fantastic garden within the school grounds where pupils can work towards their Rural Skills Award. Taking part in planning, designing, researching, growing, harvesting and selling produce from the garden. Pupils also have the opportunity to visit local agricultural sites to broaden their knowledge and practical skills.
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Castlemilk High is the owner of an excellent croft in Gairloch and pupils regularly visit to take part in a wide range of outdoor and group activities.
At the croft, pupils forge new relationships amongst their peers and staff. They develop a sense of responsibility and the ability to face challenges that are in unfamiliar surroundings.
A visit to the croft is an excellent opportunity for pupils to become more confident and responsible young people as well as being able to forge new relationships amongst their peers and staff.
This trip allows pupils to become part of the wider aspects of the schools' life and to realise that the learning process can be fun and occur without books.
Click here for some more images of the croft and the surrounding area.
Click here to learn more about the history of the croft.