School News NZ, LEOTC 2021 Supplement

EDS! K DEA COTC I PEAAT E MH GR JAWIT

PLANNING

YOUR 2021

EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

www.schoolnews.co.nz

Thinking outside the brick box boosts learning motivation

By David Carroll, Industry Reporter

Where to from here for Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom (LEOTC) programs?

LEOTC programs have copped a battering in New Zealand this year with the coronavirus pandemic forcing many schools to either cancel or modify their traditional camps, excursions, and outdoor learning programs.

Some LEOTC providers have, however, adapted to the circumstances, developing alternative ways of delivering their services, such as making resources available online.

This has presented unique opportunities for schools to access programs but the benefits of good quality outside learning experiences means schools and educators are already looking forward to reintroducing their LEOTC programs as soon as the situation allows.

Experiences outside the classroom are often among a student’s most treasured memories of their school years. They provide a chance for students to bond with their peers in an alternative setting and have the potential to ignite creativity and problemsolving skills, foster life skills, such as co-operation and interpersonal communication, build confidence, promote

Image: National Aquarium

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Image courtesy of the Napier City Council

Students can bond with their peers in an alternative setting and have the potential to ignite creativity and problem-solving skills independence, and stimulate a sense of adventure. They also allow students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and build bridges between theory and reality with research showing

these experiences – when well planned, safely managed, and personalised to meet the needs of the school and student – can deliver a deeper understanding of concepts

Image: Waikato Musuem

PLANNING YOUR 2021 EOTC EXPERIENCES

and have the capacity to raise academic achievement.

The benefits of LEOTC have been highlighted in research with a nationwide study revealing that the majority of teachers and students consider it “very or extremely important”.

In the ARA Institute of Canterbury report, published earlier this year, 96 percent of respondents said outside education provided significant positive benefits with students declaring the sense of individual responsibility they felt during outdoor learning had a positive impact on their motivation and engagement to learn.

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Image: Rockup Outdoors

Image: MOTAT

This view was supported by the teachers who said when students were able to see and experience the learning in authentic settings, they developed a deeper understanding of the purpose of the learning, were able to place it in a wider context and recalled information more easily at a later date.

To deliver students the best possible learning opportunity, teachers and schools should also be clear about the goals of the proposed experience and that it is connected to their in-school curriculum.

A key consideration when planning an outside learning activity is the partnership between school and provider.

Outside learning experience can be 10 minutes in the school grounds or a week-long kayak down the river. Each experience provides students with the opportunity to do and learn new things and New Zealand is blessed with boundless opportunities, from exploring an art gallery to examining a glacier.

Ministry of Education research shows that the learning is made more effective by the quality of the ongoing partnership between the teacher and the outside-the-classroom provider before, during and after the visit.

What is available in 2021?

The LEOTC programs on offer

give schools the opportunity to support curriculum needs in arts, health and physical education, social sciences and languages, science, mathematics, and technology.

Tracking down an LEOTC provider The Ministry of Education provides a comprehensive list of LEOTC providers. The Department of Conservation also has a list of teaching and learning resources available for schools.

The lists of providers offer up some unique learning opportunities for schools including museums and galleries which provide an insight into culture and history

At Kokako, you can incorporate cross curricular learning with projects derived from multiple learning areas; Think water, bush, engineering, town planning, health, cultural, civic, sound, visual, risk, patterns, relationships, nature, biodiversity, protection and more.

When planning your programme, consider what can be done at your school and local community and what applied experience can

Image: Waikato Musuem

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Schools can enjoy theatre or music performances or take the opportunity to learn about Māori culture and traditions on a marae while nature excursions provide the opportunity to study the environment in authentic settings.

There are also more physically challenging options available, including outdoor education centres and camps that can tailor a learning adventure to suit your every need.

The options for LEOTC are many and varied and now is the ideal time to explore them as you plan for 2021.

Revision your camp with Kokako Lodge Kokako Lodge is an 82-bed bunk style residential facility where you can utilise the Hunua Ranges Regional Park on your doorstep. Selflead or co-design your programme to enhance your objectives.

Image: Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park

and can deliver hands-on experiences through working displays and activities.

be accessed at Kokako Lodge and Hunua Regional Park to contextualise their learning.

Consider curriculum entrenched programmes that integrate with your school work and let’s collaborate together to enrich the student learning.

From unit and achievement standards to project and long-term learning outcomes.

From early stage experience for reflection to consolidating learning with challenge and real-life assessment.

For more information please contact: office@kokakolodge.org.nz 09 292 4349, or visit www.kokakolodge.org.nz

PLANNING YOUR 2021 EOTC EXPERIENCES

Term 4, 2020 | schoolnews.co.nz

Start your adventure here

HAVE YOUR NEXT

CAMP AT OUR

PLACE Whether you want to be busy and active, or quiet and relaxed, we can help you make great memories here at CYC!

Your students base for epic mountain bike, zipline, sightseeing and adventure programmes in Christchurch’s Port Hills.

With around 50 possible trail combinations in the park, you may be left wondering what trail to take your students on next! Race through the valley on the dual zipline tour.

Our experienced guides work with students from beginners to top riders and we can tailor adventure & leadership programmes to meet your class needs.

Take in the stunning views from the chairlift or walking track.

The Adventure Park experience is yours for the making and we can’t wait to share it with your school.

Contact us today to find out more email team@ christchurchadventurepark.com, call 0508 247 478 or visit www.christchurchadventurepark.com

Term 4, 2020 | schoolnews.co.nz

Give the kids some fun after lockdown. Let them be kids again and also rebuild that team spirit amongst the children and the staff.

shows that our camp has met the highest standard of safety in the adventure activities industr industry y. y.

148 Waingarao Road, Ngaruawahia p. 07 824 8495 | e. info@cyc.org.nz | cyc.org.nz

L.E.O.T.C. PLANNING YOUR 2021 EOTC EXPERIENCES

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Group Accommodation in Christchurch City

With rooms to suit every group type, Christchurch TOP10 Holiday park is the ideal place for any learning experience outside of the classroom.

Our accommodation suits all budgets. Some may prefer a self-contained option with bathroom and kitchen facilities inside each unit. For a more authentic camping experience, we offer standard cabin units where students can use communal cooking and

bathroom facilities but still have the comfort of a warm cabin.

We include everything you need such as beds made up with linen, pillows, plates, pots/pans etc – just bring yourselves and your own personal belongings.

The park has plenty of on site activities with an indoor heated pool, jumping pillow, playground, snookball and an indoor electronic Neos game. We also have a HOT & COLD therapy system to give your sports team the edge in recovery.

Contact our dedicated groups coordinator, Sarah Moore at groups@christchurchtop10.co.nz

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Wellington Zoo

Galileo

learning gone wild

Scientist, Astronomer and Visionary

Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is an ideal place for learning and exploration.

Our interactive programmes extend learning beyond the classroom. Each visit is tailormade to meet the needs of your group. Our programmes explore and develop the curriculum through classroom sessions, exhibition tours and activities.

Galileo – Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary is the latest show from the Artisans of Florence.

Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is the world premiere exhibition.

Modern science owes a great deal to Galileo Galilei (15641642), the Italian scientist, astronomer and mathematician.

His discoveries challenged and changed scientific thinking.

This hands-on, interactive exhibition engages visitors through experiments and exhibits.

Visitors gain insights into how Galileo’s fearless and pioneering work in science, physics and astronomy four centuries ago has shaped our modern world.

The Galileo exhibition provides exciting opportunities for STEAM learning.

Book your visit now. For more information visit waikatomuseum.co.nz

Virtual excursions that immerse students We all know how hard it is under normal circumstances to organize a learning opportunity outside the classroom to a national education facility, let alone adding the trials of a pandemic.

To solve this issue the National Aquarium of New Zealand has designed a new initiative that will help. The aquarium team will zoom into your classroom and immerse your students in one of their many education programmes.

They’ll show your students natural history artifacts, demonstrate science experiments, answer all questions and of course introduce students to the amazing wildlife at the aquarium.

A visit to Wellington Zoo makes learning real, allowing students to get close to our amazing animals!

Your students will observe and learn from both exotic and indigenous species, gain an understanding of the role of a progressive zoo and discover what they can do to care for the natural world.

We accommodate students with a diverse range of learning requirements so everyone can enjoy a fantastic visit.

Our exciting range of LEOTC topics make planning your visit and meeting your learning objectives easy.

Our LEOTC sessions are offered at a discounted rate for students and adult helpers, and teachers and teacher aides are free.

We cater for students from years 1 – 13, including Year 13 specific Biology topics such as the very popular Primate Evolution.

For more information visit wellingtonzoo.com/schoolvisits or email learning@ wellingtonzoo.com

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These unique sessions will add depth to any unit of work or be a standalone learning experiences for the whole class.

Each session lasts 30 minutes, is supported by pre and post classroom resources and all at a low cost of $50 per class.

Get your students

OnTV

Book your creative school trip today! capitale.org.nz/education-experiences 04 913 3742 | capitale.org.nz PART OF

PRINCIPAL FUNDER

Email the education team to talk about experiencing a virtual excursion at education@nationalaquarium.co.nz.

Term 4, 2020 | schoolnews.co.nz

L.E.O.T.C. PLANNING YOUR 2021 EOTC EXPERIENCES

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Immerse your class.

They’ll experience the awe and wonder of the ocean. Inspire them with nature and the environment.

Book your on-site, off-site or virtual education classes today!

Marine Parade, Napier 06 834 1404 nationalaquarium.co.nz