Learning Outside the Classroom Mark for Schools launched
The LOtC Mark for Schools is launched to recognise the many schools with a strong commitment to providing frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom. The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom will provide guidance and support to help schools in developing their LOtC offer, enabling all children to have access to meaningful LOtC experiences.
The LOtC Quality Badge, awarded by the Council since 2009, is a national award combining the essential elements of provision into one recognisable and trusted accreditation scheme for all types of provider organisation. It has proved invaluable to schools in identifying high quality, committed partners for their programmes. The LOtC Mark for Schools is a new national award scheme developed in response to requests from schools to celebrate and accredit their own commitment to learning outside the classroom.
The LOtC Mark will benchmark schools at Bronze, Silver or Gold level, with guidance and support to help them progress through the levels and improve the quality of their LOtC offering. The structure and criteria of the scheme has been shaped in consultation with primary, secondary and SEN schools and early years settings, as well as with local authority advisers.
The three levels of award share five basic criteria:
- The organisation has a stated commitment to providing and developing LOtC experiences for all pupils
- The organisation plans learning effectively
- The organisation makes good use of all available resources in designing and delivering LOtC
- The organisation effectively monitors and evaluates the impact of LOtC
- The organisation manages risk and the perception of risk effectively
These five have more detailed sub-criteria and each level of award builds on the criteria for the previous one. A sixth criterion is added at the Gold level, reflecting the expectation that truly outstanding schools will be actively involved in promoting and supporting LOtC beyond their school.
The LOtC Mark (Bronze) recognises an awareness of the benefits of providing LOtC experiences for all pupils and a willingness to integrate LOtC into the life of the school. To be considered for the award a school must declare that it meets the Bronze criteria, and complete a full application form based on these criteria giving examples and providing evidence, including case studies and pupil input. 10 per cent of schools who pass the initial assessment will be selected for an assessment visit.
The LOtC Mark (Silver) recognises a strong commitment to providing frequent, continuous and progressive LOtC experiences for all pupils. In order to be considered for the award a school must declare that it meets the Silver criteria, and complete a full application form based on these criteria giving examples and providing evidence, including case studies and pupil input. Again, 10 per cent of schools will be selected for an assessment visit.
The LOtC Mark (Gold, pictured right) recognises exemplary LOtC provision in schools and indicates that a school is a leader in ensuring that all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom. An assessment visit will be arranged to follow up on a paper application, where a portfolio of evidence will also be provided by the school. This assessment visit will also provide consultancy support, helping to recommend further improvement of LOtC within the school.
To find out more are to apply, contact the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom at http://www.lotc.org.uk/contact/
