New Transport. May 21, 2008
Posted by Bill in : Sea Kayaking , 3comments
Finally took the plunge today and bought a sea kayak. I have been borrowing, hiring and using light touring boats in the past but time to get the real thing. Hummed and hawed about which one i.e price, length, materials etc, finally decided on a PH, RM Capella 16′. Looking forward to getting out and about in the holidays. As per the above picture from edge of Little Loch Broom a couple of years ago(amazing October conditions!!), hopefully next trip we will catch site of a basking shark again.
Acknowledging Acheivement Award (Through Adventure) May 10, 2008
Posted by Bill in : A Curriculum for Excellence, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Dunbar Grammar School, Outdoor Learning, podcast , 1 comment so far
This clip is from a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh trip with Dunbar Grammar School. The pupils did eventually complete the pyramid through good communication and teamwork. You can hear some of their thoughts on the award in the podcast below.
During the trip I got chatting with one of the staff who are launching a new idea which aligns their outdoor education aims with the Curriculum for Excellence. As I have said before I believe that C for E is a gift for outdoor education and many of the aims of the C for E are already embedded within outdoor learning. Mr King pointed out that the award is called A3 or A cubed. The Acknowledging Achievement Award.
I have suggested renaming it A4 as It ties there are four capacities in the Curriculum for Excellence and the name could benefit from one more word, Adventure! The school aims to use the award at the forthcoming Nethy Bridge trip for S1 pupils. It will allow pupils to make direct links with adventure and outdoor learning with the capacities of the curriculum for excellence e.g.. allowing them to demonstrate positive teamwork, respect for the environment and realise their own expectations. Although this only scratches the surface of the potential use of this tool. I look forward to seeing how it all works out next weekend.
Loch Ericht Canoe Trip May 10, 2008
Posted by Bill in : Outdoor Learning , 3comments
A great weekend paddling on Loch Ericht over the May Bank Holiday. Windy conditions on day one and wind and rain on day two meant we didn’t cover the whole loch but fantastic conditions on day 3. An amazing contrast of weather, the Loch was windswept then like glass. Luckily on day 3 we could sail back for an hour of the journey giving an easy finish. The settled weather at the beginning of day three also gave us some stunning views. You can see the rest of the images by clicking the link below.
