A number of our teachers and classroom assistants visited Soverato in the south of Italy to take part in a weeklong training program on ‘Outdoor Education’. The program was provided by JUMP who are based in Soverato. We chose Italy for our training as the outdoors is so well integrated into daily life.

Our staff experienced first-hand, the classroom practices within Italy. Teaching and support staff were given the opportunity to observe teachers in the area of Outdoor Education, which inspired staff and gave them ideas as to how to bring outdoor learning to life. Our staff watched new approaches to outdoor education, with an open mind and a willingness to try new things in their own classrooms.

Following observations, staff were given the opportunity to plan with other teachers and create collaborative lessons, merging both new skills learnt from the visit but also prior experience in outdoor learning. The collaboration between teachers from different countries created a platform for wonderful learning but also great reflective practice and the sharing of cultural experiences.