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Our ways of working

Whole Schools Approaches: Ecoschools & the Development Framework

Outdoor Learning: Bishops Wood Centre, Forest Schools & Outdoor Education Centres

Curriculum Development

Global Dimensions

An integrated Approach

Whole School Approaches: Ecoschools & the Development Framework

Whole school approaches are vital in ESD, requiring a joined up approach to school development across curriculum, campus and community. The international Eco Schools scheme is an effective vehicle for delivering ESD as part of a whole school approach. We offer support through:

• Staff training through WWF’s Development Framework for School Sustainability
• Support for school action teams
• Conferences and local support sessions / District Meetings

Click here for further information, including local contacts for Eco-Schools

Our Eco Schools work links with work on:

Healthy Schools,   School Travel Plans School Ground Development Energy Management and building design in Property Services Extended Schools

A regular ESD Newsletter is sent out to schools informing schools of current opportunities, events projects etc.

Outdoor Learning

We recognise the key role outdoor learning has in ESD, with direct experiences of the natural world inspiring the need for care for ourselves, others, the planet and future generations. The Council runs three Outdoor Education Centres and Bishops Wood Centre, which focuses primarily on ESD.

Bishop’s Wood Centre

This internationally renowned Centre offers a range of in-centre & outreach programmes. The focus is on sustainability, biodiversity and the natural world. Programmes are carefully linked with the national curriculum and led by experienced, dedicated teaching staff.

Bishops Wood also offers a varied training programme for teachers, environmental educators and countryside professionals.

The School Grounds team at Bishops Wood support all aspects of developing school grounds.

For information visit the Bishops Wood website.

Forest Schools

Forest Schools help children and young people develop confidence and self-esteem, through hands on learning experiences in a woodland environment. The link to the natural world and the emphasis on understanding and appreciating the natural environment, places Forest School as a fundamental foundation to further ESD work. To find out more see the Forest Schools pages of the Bishops Wood website.

Outdoor Education Centres

The council operates 3 Outdoor Education Centres:

	Malvern Hills Oudoor Education Centre operates adventure activities (e.g. ropes courses, abseiling, grass sledging) and curriculum based outdoor & fieldwork opportunities from Key Stage 2 to University & Adult groups.
	Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre provides a range of watersports, including caoeing, sailing & windsurfing. There are also land based team-building challenge, a ropes course and a high poles course. The centre can also be used as a base for fieldwork courses.
	Llanrug Outdoor Education Centre is a residential centre situated near Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. It provides a range of adventure actvities and educational opportunities. The Centre can also be used as a base for fieldwork studies.

Curriculum Development

Each year we work with schools to develop their curriculum with specific projects linked to our key themes.

These projects act as a way of piloting new ideas, developing and then sharing good practice and reaching new audiences within school communities.

One recent example is the Worcestershire Parish Mapping Project. Taking place in the Forest of Feckenham area of Worcestershire, four first schools took part in the project, which celebrated the connections between people, places & wildlife.

Global Dimensions

The County recognises the profound impact that learning about and linking people from around the world can have in changing perspectives and attitudes.

We offer support through;

• Global dimensions projects
• A Global dimensions magazine
• The Earth Balloon ~ a 7 metre inflatable globe that is available to schools with teaching and learning opportunities.

An Integrated approach

We have an integrated partnership approach to ESD. We work with others:

• Within the council (Corporate Sustainability Stewards group; ESD Forum)
• Outside the council (District Councils, Worcestershire Environmental Education Liaison Group~ WEEL)

For a list of key contacts and support across the County Council, District Councils and relevant national and local organisations, please see our Eco Schools Directory  (160.94 KB).

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