Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto (DfES, 2006)

The Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto was launched by the DfES on the 28th November 2006.

It is based on the belief that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.

The Manifesto acts as a shared statement of intent for all who see the benefits to young people and want to help bring about this vision of high quality, meaningful learning experiences for all. It is a short publication with a vision statement and high level aims. Government departments (including DfES, Defra and DCMS), outdoor education providers, local authorities, schools, youth groups and many other supporters are in the process of signing up to or ‘endorsing’ these common aims and making ‘pledges’ of practical action to support them.

All who support the Manifesto's vision are invited to endorse and champion it by becoming a signatory, and to pledge any actions they are planning to take in support of the stated aims.

To download a copy of the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto (Pdf.) Please click the link.

Manifesto summary:

Every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.
These, often the most memorable learning experiences, help us to make sense of the world around us by making links between feelings and learning. They stay with us into adulthood and affect our behaviour, lifestyle and work. They influence our values and the decisions we make. They allow us to transfer learning experienced outside to the classroom and vice versa.
Learning outside the classroom is about raising achievement through an organised, powerful approach to learning in which direct experience is of prime importance. This is not only about what we learn but importantly how and where we learn.

These experiences can take place in the school grounds; local nature reserves and wild places; city farms and parks; streetscapes; field study centres; farms and the countryside; remote wild and adventurous places; heritage and cultural sites; zoos and botanic gardens; places of worship; museums, theatres, galleries and music venues; and on cultural, language and fieldwork visits abroad.

The Manifesto can involve everyone who sees the benefits to young people, such as Government, Head teachers, governors, teachers and support staff, parents, local authorities, community and voluntary organisations, curriculum subject bodies, businesses and all those agencies that provide external support to schools.

Therefore, if you also recognise the value of learning outside the classroom and support the Manifesto vision, endorse and champion the Manifesto by becoming a signatory. As the role of the Manifesto is to make a difference, you are encouraged to pledge your support by making public the actions you intend to take.