To ensure that young people enjoy the benefits of high-quality and safe visits outside of the classroom, we have supported the Real World Learning campaign.  It involves the Field Studies Council, RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, National Trust and others.

The campaign recognises that many schools are reporting barriers to out-of-classroom learning through such issues as a

• lack of time through a crowded curriculum
• fear of accidents and subsequent litigation
• costs – including staff cover, insurance, transport
• low status of out-of-classroom training and teaching
• senior managements’ negative view of what is often seen as a disruptive activity.

The campaign ensured that in the 2005 UK general elections, all the major political parties made commitments to promote outdoor education. Also, over 160 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion supporting our work.  

As a result of the campaign, the Government has set up a manifesto for education outside the classroom to be launched in 2006.    The Society have pledged to support the government’s manifesto with further activities to train, advise and support high-quality and safe fieldwork.