The OWL Collaboration (Outdoor Week of Learning), created by UK educational charity The Ernest Cook Trust, has been extended to Cumbria for the first time, offering learners the chance to enjoy a residential in the countryside.
The programme offers qualifying schools the opportunity to send pupils on an immersive residential week in nature, as well as funding and support to develop their own outdoor learning back at school.
This innovative, hands-on pilot programme at The Ernest Cook Trust’s own working farm, Low Beckside, Mungrisdale, allows learners to spend their days immersed in outdoor activities such as ‘Wool the Wonder Fabric’, ‘Follow the Food’ and ‘Hidden Habitats’.
“OWL is far more than just time away from the classroom. We have been measuring the impact on children, which shows that they become more connected to nature.”
Sarah White, head of learning programmes development at The Ernest Cook Trust
Already, pupils from Sandylands Primary School, Morecambe, have enjoyed an OWL. The programme also aims to support teachers to maximise the benefits of the residential, once they are back in the classroom. The pilot began with a two-day teacher training event with teachers from all participating schools.
“It was always an aspiration to bring The OWL Collaboration to Cumbria and it’s particularly special that we can host the programme on our own farm at Low Beckside,” said Vicki McDermott, learning operations Lead (Cumbria/Lancashire) at The Ernest Cook Trust.
Each OWL offers participants the chance to learn more about the natural world and their place within it and is aimed at targeted schools, to enable children and young people with the highest level of needs to benefit.
Sarah White, head of learning programmes development at The Ernest Cook Trust, added: “OWL is far more than just time away from the classroom. We have been measuring the impact on children, which shows that they become more connected to nature and experience improvements in their wellbeing.
“The schools also tell us they see positive changes in children’s attitude to learning. We are proud of how The OWL Collaboration has reached disadvantaged children and those from diverse backgrounds, and the opportunities that have arisen for them as a result.”
About the Ernest Cook Trust
The Ernest Cook Trust is a UK educational charity which aims to help young people and their communities to develop a lifelong journey of learning, appreciation and respect for the countryside through a range of outdoor learning experiences.
The Trust delivers programmes on its own estates and with partner estates. It champions access to outdoor learning for young people, particularly those living in underserved areas.
An Outdoor Week of Learning is available to eligible primary, secondary and special schools in a range of locations across the UK.
For more information, visit ernestcooktrust.org.uk.
