In April, Bolton School’s Director of Patterdale Hall, Tim Taylor, attended a Parliamentary drop-in session in Westminster, organised by Patterdale Hall’s own Member of Parliament Tim Farron. Tim Taylor Chairs the Northern Region of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Learning Centres (AHOEC) and leads on a national basis, working with Members of Parliament to raise the profile, value and benefits of Outdoor Learning.
The event was well attended by almost 30 MPs who came to hear about the Outdoor Learning sector and the reforming of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Outdoor Learning. During the session, MPs were asked to sign up to the Early Day Motion which reads as follows:
That this House recognises the significant benefits of outdoor learning for children and young people; urges the Secretary of State to undertake a review of the value of those benefits; notes that more time learning outdoors provides an opportunity for children to learn skills and characteristics to cope with many of the societal problems of climate change, worsening child mental health, and high child obesity levels; further notes that there is significant evidence that outdoor learning and youth work enables better engagement with education, builds pro-environmental behaviours from a young age, and establishes team work and resilience in young people; and recognises that these practices build on a long heritage of outdoor learning in the UK.
It was excellent to have Bolton School Alumnus Phil Brickell MP (Class of 2004) drop into the session and chat to all the guests. Phil is the Labour MP for Bolton West and fondly looks back on his visits to Patterdale Hall and subsequent outdoor learning with Bolton School, where he developed a lifelong passion for white water kayaking.
Also joining the session was Kirith Entwhistle, who is the MP for Bolton School.
Tim Taylor said of the event:
‘We would like all MPs to have an understanding of the power and potential of high-quality Outdoor Learning to improve the wellbeing and mental health of young people. Outdoor Leaning is an excellent tool to help develop key characteristics such a resilience, determination and independence in young people. Outdoor Learning is best when woven through a young person’s schooling, but it is also known that a residential Outdoor Learning visit can be worth a term’s work in the classroom for developing those key characters and social skills. It helps young people get to know themselves and their peer group, but also builds stronger relationships, which transfers back to the classroom in better engagement and ultimately improved exam results and outcomes for young people. Sadly, many schools struggle to fund the amazing opportunities for young people which should be a right for all, not just for the privileged few, so our work with government continues to keep funding being focused where it is needed the most.’
Philip Britton, Bolton School’s Head of Foundation, said:
‘Bolton School remains totally committed to Outdoor Learning, complemented by a strong and purposeful character curriculum. This year the School celebrates 30 years of being at Patterdale Hall, the school’s Outdoor Learning centre in the Lake District. We are delighted to have support of local MPs who recognise the value of the Outdoor Learning we offer, and to have our Patterdale Hall Director Tim lead and contribute to the national perspective in Outdoor Learning.’
Phil Brickell MP and Tim Taylor
Kirith Entwistle MP, Tim Taylor and Phil Brickell MP
