Welcome Back. How we are supporting safe fieldwork and outdoor learning
This autumn term, our focus at FSC has been to find ways in which our visitors can learn in a Covid Secure environment, help busy teachers cover course content and support students with catch up. The Department for Education have joined schools in recognising the importance of residential opportunities and are now working on a roadmap to restarting residentials from Easter 2021 in England, and so we’re advising teachers to book those in as soon as possible (find a course here). In the meantime, whilst current government guidance currently means residentials are off limits, we have a range of alternatives available.
Having delivered learning outside the classroom for over 75 years we know there is no substitute for first-hand experiences in the outdoors and the way it engages students with their subjects in a completely unique way. To counter the impact of lockdown, the reduced access to green space and time out of school, first hand experiences outdoors can re-engage learners with education again, especially those that struggle in a classroom environment.
In response to this year’s changes and challenges, FSC has developed new ways to support teachers, and offer schools a range of opportunities to ensure that nobody misses out on vital outdoor learning opportunities.
- We are welcoming school groups back to our centres to take part in day courses, which have been transformed to operate in a fully Covid secure way
- We can visit schools to deliver outreach in your grounds or local field sites
- We are offering a range of new digital packages where face-to-face is not possible
Keeping Safe
Our courses are delivered outdoors as much as possible – this is what we do anyway to maximise first hand experiences for all our visitors. Students will not only be with their usual ‘bubble’ but also outdoors and away from others. It means we have not had to compromise on the excellent quality of teaching and benefits of fieldwork.
We have fully reconfigured our indoor spaces and the way we teach to allow for social distancing and for ‘bubbles’ to be separated. We are carrying out regular enhanced cleaning throughout centres, our tutors will remain distanced from students, equipment will not be shared and will be cleaned between uses.
Our centres have easy access to lots of inspirational outdoor space so that everyone can spread out and benefit from this time outside, safely and boosting their own wellbeing.
If a day visit to us isn’t an option for your school at the moment, rest assured FSC can still fully support your fieldwork needs through our outreach or digital packages.
Covering the Content and Catching Up
FSC can help alleviate the pressure on very busy teachers. Our expert tutors deliver courses giving teachers more time to spend with their students, assess how students are coping and offer support for those who need it most. Our day courses can pack a lot in. We cover specific topics, but also support students to consolidate their learning and overall understanding of the subject. We provide all the resources and kit needed too so that’s one less thing to worry about. Our digital opportunities have been specifically developed to cover the contents and our high quality resources, reducing the need for teachers to prep these areas.
Whether we come to you, or you chose to visit us in person or online, I am really looking forward to welcoming you back to FSC.
Mark Castle – FSC CEO
We have created some simple activities which children can do at home, to help them learn while also having fun.
Choose your activity!
- Scavenger Hunt – Find a range of items in your garden or local walk. What will you collect?
- Weather – Create your own weather diary and make a note on the changing weather that is happening. Spring is an exciting season which can see anything from snow to sunbathing weather. What will spring 2020 be like?
- Maps – Enjoy focusing on a different sense by listening to and mapping the many sounds around you.
We have a collection of FSC publications which are sutiable to use in the garden so that you can still spend some time in the fresh air.
From spiders, bees and garden birds, there is plenty to watch out for in your own outdoor spaces and gardens. Take this time to learn about and identify what comes to visit you!
Click here
During this time, spending time in your garden (if you’re lucky enough to have one) will improve your wellbeing and provide you with that fresh air you’ll be longing for.
We have come up with a list of activities to keep you busy in your garden from growing plants and vegetables to creating a new habitat in your garden which will entice new wildlife in to your outdoor space.