Message from FSC CEO Mark Castle
Welcome back
Since reopening our centres, over 35,000 visitors of all ages have been able to enjoy some much needed Covid-secure outdoor learning and fun. Our online courses and resources have supported outdoor learning throughout last 18 months, but now it’s great to welcome real as well as virtual visitors.
My staff have said how good it is to hear children again, see them engage with nature first hand and enable them to make the most of their time with classmates and teachers in beautiful surroundings.
There is no substitute for the real thing, and many will have had enough of learning by being cooped up indoors, staring at a screen. Time spent in our stunning locations with our expert staff helps engage every learner as they connect with nature, teachers and peers.
Despite changes to course content, assessment and exams for 2022, schools are still being encouraged to offer outdoor learning and fieldwork opportunities. We all know the value of learning by first hand experiences that consolidate knowledge and fix it in the memory. Learners are still required to answer fieldwork questions in exams. We encourage you to come to our centres so that they can experience fieldwork first hand, learn by doing and develop knowledge and skills needed for work or further study.
There isn’t a lesson in the school day that can’t be enriched by connecting to nature, or a subject in the curriculum that can’t be enhanced by outdoor learning.
We know that schools, customers and parents need reassurance about the measures that we have put in place to keep everyone safe. If you would like to know more about what to expect when you come for a visit, take a look at our page Covid-19 Keeping you safe. You will also find details of our Book with Confidence scheme.
You don’t have be part of a school group to enjoy what FSC has to offer whether it’s a simple holiday or a Family Adventure, our Stay with Us breaks offer clean, simple accommodation in our stunning locations. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts there are opportunities to learn about the identification of songbirds or solitary bees on our place based courses.
At the start of a new academic year, it’s good to welcome you, thousands of muddy boots, the excited chatter and the buzz of learning to our centres once again.
Mark Castle – FSC CEO
See all our Resources and Ideas to support outdoor learning and fieldwork.
