Education Outside the Classroom Manifesto - BAIML's response

BAIML is a National Governing Body representing British International Mountain Leaders.

We agree with the vision statement outlined in the DfES Education Outside the Classroom Manifesto, but believe that where the education takes place in an outdoor setting which may be outside of the United Kingdom, young people should be led by properly qualified and experienced mountain professionals.

Education that takes place in the outdoors, on an expedition, or under adventurous conditions offers a young person the opportunity to work with other young people and adults, possibly not from the same social setting or culture. Not only do they develop a wider understanding of people, places and cultures, but they also get to experience and understand environmental issues, to learn about danger and risks, and how to manage and avoid potentially threatening situations. For example, on an expedition they frequently take leadership roles which increase their self-reliance and sense of self-worth, and helps them to develop a sense of identity. The range of different pressures and challenges opens personal horizons that may be important for their personal lives and future career ambitions. They may be physically and mentally stretched, and this increases their confidence and levels of self-respect.

Out of classroom activities offer the ability to bring diverse curricula together in a way that enables a young person to see how diverse and apparently disparate activities form relationships within the ‘real’ world.

However, for effective learning to place, there has to be a commitment to providing well trained and properly qualified teachers and activity leaders, if the aims of the Manifesto, particularly in relation to overseas adventurous activity trips, are to be met.

There is a lack of agreement about the standards required for the leading of groups on activities outside of the United Kingdom, and many trips are currently led by poorly experienced leaders who have minimal formal training in the leading of young people. Many leaders do not properly understand how to use the range of experiences that occur, to help develop the young person or to use that experience for their personal and social development.

BAIML’s policy is that there should be clear and unambiguous standards set for the leadership and management of young people undertaking outdoor activities, particularly where these take place in mountains outside of the UK. There are international standards that have been in place since 1993, which are being regularly reviewed. The training and assessment required of an International Mountain Leader is the minimum standard that should be required of any groups on mountain activities taking place outside of the UK.

BAIML is keen to help with the development and application of a common standard for the leadership of groups outside of the United Kingdom. BAIML is also keen, through its members, to work in partnership with schools and other interested parties, to ensure that trips to mountains outside of the UK are safe, well run, educationally effective and led by properly qualified and experienced leaders.

Learning activities offered by schools should be planned to offer a range of psychologically and intellectually different activities that cater for all needs and abilities. The secret to engaging young people is to offer them a wide range of learning activities that are a regular part of their lives. In addition, there should be a more significant activity involving a residential activity at least once a year.

14th February 2006