Ambassador Schools Outdoor Learning Conference

Wednesday 25th September 2024

Location: Aldern House, Bakewell DE45 1AE 
Time: 9:00 - 15:30

Aimed at our Ambassador Schools (but open to all schools within the Peak District National Park, and those in the immediate surrounding area), this is our first annual conference especially for the teachers, educators, curriculum leads and outdoor visits co-ordinators from our local Peak District schools.

The event will be an opportunity to:

* Learn more about how we can support you and your pupils through our Ambassador Schools project

* Participate in a range of practical activities to increase your confidence in taking learning out of the classroom, and outdoors into your school grounds and local green spaces

* Meet and build relationships with staff from other local schools

With a range of activities throughout the day, and information applicable for EYFS to KS4, you’ll also have a choice of hands-on workshops (focusing on activities for EYFS to Y6, see below), and plenty of time to meet and network with colleagues. We’ll be sharing best practice and easy ideas to connect young people with the natural world, and with the Peak District National Park: for the benefits of wellbeing, to increase outdoor learning, and to encourage nature recovery.

Programme:

9:00 – 9:30            Arrival, registration and sign up to workshops

9:30 – 09:45          Opening address

09:45 – 10:45       1st Workshops *

10:45 – 11:15       Break, networking, opportunities to browse useful resources

11:15 – 12:00       Ambassador Schools Showcase – Resources to support schools

12:00 – 13:00       Lunch and networking  

13:00 – 13:30       Nature Connection walk in the grounds of Aldern House

13:30 – 14:30       2nd Workshops *

14:30 – 15:00       Future plans: What do you want from Ambassador Schools (how can we best support you)?

15:00 – 15:30       Final information, and feedback

15:30                      Conference closes

*  Confirmed workshops to include:

• Creative Map Skills – Tips and ideas for engaging geography in any location
• Nature Connection Games - fun activities to engage with the natural world & promote responsible outdoor play
• School Grounds Safari – your school is a habitat of some remarkable creatures and plants
• No More Bug Hotels! – using the outdoors to inspire DT projects

For more information please contact: AmbassadorSchools@peakdistrict.gov.uk (please note conference bookings cannot be taken over the phone) 

Parking at Aldern House (the Peak District National Park Authority’s HQ) is free. Directions can be found here.

Please note: This will be a hands-on day with outdoor sessions. Please come dressed for a day which will be partially outside, regardless of the weather.

Cost: £10 per person (including refreshments and vegetarian buffet lunch)

Booking advice:

* Please put your school address in the address box when booking your ticket

* If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know when you book, by emailing AmbassadorSchools@peakdistrict.gov.uk. 

* Bookings will close at 4pm on Thursday 19th September