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Outdoor Learning residential for schools at Glencoe Outdoor Centre
WHY? Grow in confidence, increase resilience, encourage social interaction with peers, promote health and wellbeing, allow individuals to gain independence and challenge their own expectations of themselves! Pupils gain skills for the future, are inspired to take future opportunities to get outdoors, have increased water confidence and may well learn to ride a bike while they are in Glencoe!
WHAT? by taking part in very fun, active and genuinely adventurous outdoor activities in a residential setting.
WHERE? in the spectacular location, the extraordinary landscape amongst the lochs and Glens that is Glencoe.
HOW? Instructors go out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable, are very approachable, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful in a safe, encouraging and supportive atmosphere. Instructors are able to adapt activities to particular needs and no one is ever left out.
WHO? We partner with pupils and teaching staff toward the goal of attainment within Curriculum for Excellence by encouraging team work, leadership skills, innovation, personal development and environmental awareness.
Glencoe Outdoor Learning programmes embrace an approach to learning that:
'Involves being outdoors as a central part of the experience; is open to all; seeks to transform the experience into knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours; involves physical activity, respects the natural environment and has a challenging and adventurous component'.
'At first I thought I wouldn’t be good at anything, I thought of giving up and the members of staff really built up my confidence, I thought I wasn’t brave or strong enough but I did it but that was because everybody was believing in me and Glencoe has really helped me to build up all of the things that I didn’t think I was capable to do. Glencoe will always hold a place in my heart'
Renfrewshire Pupil June 2024
'Thoroughly enjoyable stay with excellent instruction. Thank you for a fantastic week.' 'On behalf of both my colleagues and the pupils I would like to thank the staff for their patience, professionalism and kindness. PS – coffee was also excellent.'
Highland Primary teachers May 2024
'This stay was spectacular!' 'Thank you for having us it was a nice stay' 'It was very friendly and welcoming' 'Thank you for having us at Glencoe, I really enjoyed the activities and the instructors were friendly and welcoming.'
Highland Primary pupils May 2024
'Really loved it – enjoyed all activities.' 'Fantastic week with excellent care and attention for all of the group.' 'Our stay was jam packed and the pupils were very looked after. It was a lovely experience in a lovely location. The range of activities allowed pupils of all abilities to participate.' Yorkshire Prep school teachers May 2024
'The staff were really good and helpful, they have changed their ideas to comfort me and I can’t thank you enough' 'All the staff were really friendly and kind.' 'All staff were absolutely fantastic for all activities, food was the best I have had at a residential.' 'I loved Ben Nevis' Yorkshire Prep school pupils May 2024
'A wonderful experience for pupils and staff. Staffed by skilled, knowledgeable, professional, welcoming and warm staff in a fabulous environment. Hope to return and thanks to all!' 'All staff were very friendly & approachable. Our children felt safe and confident to approach them for any questions or concerns. There was always people on hand and each enquiry was dealt with efficiently. Thank you all for the little touches. Ensuring we had coffee, snacks and everything we needed at all times. I loved my first experience here and look forward to coming back.' Glasgow Teachers May 2024
'Another enjoyable visit. Looking forward to next year. Love to come to GOC and activities and staff great.' 'Had a great time. This was my first experience on a residential trip. Fantastic!' 'What a fabulous week! The children have had an awesome time and are full of stories to take home and remember forever. Thank you to the entire team!' 'Another enjoyable fun week with the children.' 'This was my first time on a residential and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Challenged myself to do activities I didn’t think I would have done. Everything was well organised and timing of activities was excellent. Hope to be back!' Glasgow Teachers April 2024
'I really liked the free time because we have some time to talk, play, laugh with time to our self' 'The staff were really helpful and kind. I'm really thankful for the fun activities.' 'Staff are as nice as they could ever be! They’re very welcoming and friendly. Fun activities.'
'I really liked Glencoe. Everyone was really nice and friendly, it was very welcoming & it was so fun!' 'My stay was great, your staff were 10 out of 10' 'The staff and teachers were incredibly kind and I really liked doing activities.' 'I had an amazing time and everyone was so nice to me and made me feel safe and welcome and I will miss this place.' 'I love this place.' Glasgow Pupils April 2024
'Cannot thank you all enough for everything that you have done for the staff / children. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time over the years and had an amazing time working with the staff. Thank you.' 'My visits over many years have been fab!! And this year has been outstanding will definitely take away so many beautiful memories and amazing friendships'. 'Thank you all. Food was lovely, excellent organization, interesting activities & instructors kept children engaged'. 'As always it has been a wonderful trip for Smithton Primary. The children have been thoroughly challenged and very much enjoyed themselves.' 'Excellent week filled with lots of information for the children and lots opportunities to develop more confidence and new skills. The instructors were very friendly and couldn’t have been more helpful. Thank you.' 'Thank you so much. Super variety of activities and facilities.'
Highland Teachers September 2023
'This trip to Glencoe was very fun! I loved ALL the activities and staff I enjoyed the bonfire and songs! I will miss all the fun!'
'You made my experience enjoyable and safe.' 'I loved coming here and I enjoyed the food and activities. Thank you for letting me and my class stay at Glencoe.' 'You're the best staff ever and I hope I come back one day.' 'I love this camp I hope I come back!' 'Staying at Glencoe was amazing because I learned to canoe, rock climb & orienteer.' 'It was amazing I hope I come back!' 'I do think that how they did the Christian thing really good.' 'Thank you so much for the experience.' 'I love it so much that I don’t want to leave but I was scared at the start!' 'Other children have to come here because its so good!'
Highland pupils September 2023
'Excellent first visit to the centre. Thank you for the warmth and hospitality.' 'Another great week, staff are excellent both at their knowledge and level of care towards our young people.' 'I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and value the whole experience. Thank you to you all, will hopefully see you soon!' 'Thoroughly enjoyed mountain biking and hillwalking. Both instructors very knowledgeable and safety conscious and very nice manner with the children'.
Glasgow & Renfrewshire teachers May and June 2023
'Thank you for a really fun week I have really enjoyed myself and I would definitely do it again too so thank you.'
'Thank you very much for my stay it really made me want to go outside more.' 'It was the best week of my life'
'I liked the activities especially climbing, canoeing and Neil’s speed boat. The meals were very yummy and I felt very cared for.' 'It was a great week and I saw and learnt a lot of things, thanks to all the staff for making me feel so welcome, thanks for having me!' 'I enjoyed all of the activities but I enjoyed canoeing the most because I was really scared then I had lots of fun' I loved staying at Glencoe the lunch was lovely and the staff was very nice and patient with you and a clear voice when instructing' 'I really enjoyed the bonfire'
Glasgow & Renfrewshire Pupils May and June 2023
'I thought the experience for the young people was just wonderful. Excellent balance of education skill learning and fun. I came 5 years ago and would say the staff were just as energetic and enthusiastic! Thank you.' 'As always, visits to GOC with our children are excellent – overall the friendly warm welcome and understanding re some of our pupils’ complex needs. Thank you again.'
'Thank you for a wonderful week. Staff were fabulous with the kids, knowledgeable about the area and enthusiastic about the activities. House is clean, comfortable and perfect for our needs.' 'Incredibly professional staff. Very engaging, ensuring maximum participation. Very patient and encouraging, helping kids overcome barriers and celebrate many successes. A wonderful experience for staff and students. Hopefully we can overcome financial barriers and return. Thanks to all!' Thank you to all the staff for an extremely enjoyable visit. The activity programme was excellent, the organisation of our stay went very smoothly and the children had a great week, thank you.' Glasgow teachers March and April 2023
'Excellent, absolutely amazing, thank you for the amazing food and all of the staff were incredibly kind' 'This was a super fun stay at Glencoe Thank you for the amazing food and warm welcome' 'The most amazing residential trip ever 10/10' 'It was extremely fun I really liked it.' 'This may be the best week of my life this was just the most fun'. 'I really liked it because I found things in the forest and people get over their fear of heights'
Glasgow Pupils March and April 2023
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Return from Glencoe classroom display
Highland Primary School
School testimonials
'I thought you might like to know that I have just done 2 nights of parents evenings with the Primary 7 children, and last week issued their reports, which contain a ‘learners statement’ about their year, and without exception every child (who went) and every parent, said that the highlight of the year was the visit to Glencoe. They had the warmest praise and the fondest memories of their time at Glencoe Outdoor Centre'. Teacher Highland Primary school
'Very many thanks for your kind welcome and hospitality during our stay with you this week. As always, it was a special few days and privilege to be with you in that extraordinary landscape.' Teacher North Yorkshire Prep school
'Thank you very much for looking after us so well. Had a fantastic time as always. Really had a huge impact on the children. Thanks for everything and your teams commitment. Very enjoyable time as usual, thank you.' Teachers Highland Primary School
Pupil comments taken from the school display pictured above
Glencoe was absolutely amazing!! I would go back in a heartbeat! You get to know each other better!
It was good for team building and I would recommend Glencoe.
I loved Glencoe it was so fun and gave me an experience to live with each other.
I was absolutely gobsmacked when I first got there it was beautiful!!
My favourite activity was canoeing! I was very nervous at first but then after a while it was very fun and enjoyable.
I would recommend it to everyone and anyone!!
It was amazing and you learned how to cooperate. I would recommend it!
It’s really amazing! The best part is getting to know people!! A great mix of education and fun!
The canoeing was amazing and the food too! I would recommend it to everyone on earth!!
Highland Primary school
Curriculum for Excellence
We partner with schools toward the goal of attainment within Curriculum for Excellence. Our programmes are characterised by its design principles and the capacities are incorporated into each activity and the overall residential experience - in particular:
Health and wellbeing: mental & emotional wellbeing, social wellbeing and physical wellbeing;
Literacy & English: listening and talking;
Religious and moral education: Christianity - Beliefs, values and issues, practices and traditions.
"For many staff and pupils an outdoor residential experience is one of the highlights of the school year. Many practitioners find organising an outdoor residential experience thoroughly worthwhile because of the long-lasting impact on young people. The combination of special activities with the shared experience of living and working with peers makes a residential stay a unique outdoor learning opportunity for every young person."
Outdoor learning Practical guidance, ideas and support for teachers and practitioners in Scotland, Education Scotland
“The core values of Curriculum for Excellence echo the key concepts of outdoor learning: challenge, enjoyment, relevance, depth, development of the whole person and an adventurous approach to learning”. Learning and Teaching Scotland 2010
“Outdoor learning experiences are often remembered for a lifetime. Integrating learning and outdoor experiences, whether through play in the immediate grounds or adventures further afield, provides relevance and depth to the curriculum in ways that are difficult to achieve indoors. Learning outdoors can be enjoyable, creative, challenging and adventurous and helps children and young people learn by experience and grow as confident and responsible citizens who value and appreciate the spectacular landscapes, natural heritage and culture of Scotland”. Learning and Teaching Scotland 2010
Brilliant Residentials
Glencoe Outdoor Centre endorses the 'Brilliant Residentials' key recommendations and welcomes their findings & evidence as to the benefit of school residentials. Please contact us if you would like assistance with planning or designing your school residential.
Curriculum for excellence within Glencoe Outdoor Learning programmes
Residential experience
Curriculum for excellence capacities embedded in Glencoe Outdoor Centre residential experiences
Confident individuals
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Relate to others and manage themselves
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Live as independently as they can
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A sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being
Effective contributors
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Work in partnership and in teams
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Take the initiative and lead
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Live as independently as they can
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Achieve success in different areas of activity
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Assess risk and make informed decisions
Successful learners -
Learn independently and as part of a group
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Link and apply different kinds of learning in new situations
Responsible Citizens -
Respect for others
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Understand different beliefs and cultures
School groups who stay at Glencoe Outdoor Centre are encouraged to treat the centre as their home for the duration of their stay and to participate in the smooth running of the domestic arrangements.
Specific tasks given:
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Take responsibility for their time keeping - present themselves at the appropriate time and place;
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Take responsibility for how they are equipped - wearing & carrying the appropriate equipment;
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Take responsibility for all equipment loaned to them - take good care of all equipment loaned to them by the centre and to store it in the appropriate places;
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Take responsibility for sleeping well - keep sleeping dormitory clean and tidy and made available for inspection by teaching staff on a daily basis.
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Take responsibility for eating well - make up their own packed lunch each day and clear up after themselves at lunch time.
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Participate in service of meals - assist Centre staff to lay meal tables and clear their own meal table at the end of each course.
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Respect others whilst sharing dorms and eating together
Evaluation by Glencoe Outdoor Centre staff team: -
Group Instructors (GI’s) give feedback on a task basis on performance. Pupils are encouraged to complete any tasks not already completed at evaluation stage.
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Evening Host team review the participation in domestic chores on a daily basis.
Evaluation by pupils and school staff: -
Accompanying teaching staff give immediate feedback after room inspection and pupils are required to make improvements, if necessary, straight away.
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School staff can discuss the effectiveness of the programme with Centre staff at any stage.
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Pupils and staff are asked for written review comments at the end of the week.
Activity experience
Curriculum for excellence capacities embedded in Glencoe Outdoor Centre outdoor learning
Successful learners
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Enthusiasm & motivation for learning.
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Learn independently & part of a group.
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Openness to new thinking and ideas.
Confident individuals
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assess risk and take informed decisions.
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Pursue a healthy & active lifestyle
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Achieve success in different areas of activity
Responsible citizens
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Respect for others
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Make informed choices & decisions
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Evaluate environmental issues
Effective contributors
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Work in partnership and in teams
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Take the initiative and lead
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Solve problems
All Instructors give thought to, and include where ever practical, the following Curriculum for excellence objectives in each activity session which they run:
Start of day:
1. Pupils are involved in discussion about daily weather conditions and the subsequent clothing requirements.
On each activity, pupils are involved in discussion and input into:
2. The aims of the activity session;
3. The associated risks,
4. The environmental impact of the activity
5. At the end the activity to take part in a review to ensure that all achievements are celebrated.
During each activity session pupils are given the opportunity to:
6. Give informed consent on what they are doing;
7. Make choices within the activity;
8. Receive encouragement to cope with and meet new challenges;
9. Spend time in the open air and participate in some physical exercise;
10. Be given responsibility for equipment loaned to them;
In particular:
11. The ‘How Do We Do That?’ activity encourages pupils to lead their team, review their performance and to solve problems.
12. Learning and discussion about marine environmental issues/impact is included in the Environmental Studies, Sailing and Canoeing activities.
