Dunbar D of E Awards. November 1, 2007
Posted by Bill in : Alexander The Great, Duke of Edinburgh Awards , add a commentI attended the Dunbar Grammar School Duke of Edinburgh Awards presentation this evening. The staff and pupils work really hard in making the whole award work. It is always fun to see the pupils whom I had assessed receive their awards and here so many of them say afterwards that they will go on to complete their Silver and Gold.
The presentations by the pupils were varied and interesting and a large audience of pupils, parents and staff enjoyed them .It is evident that the school is producing so many confident individuals through the use of this award. The Headteacher emphasised the schools value and use of the Award and the commitment of all the staff to ensure it’s delivery within a busy learning curriculum. During the pupils presentations I was reminded of an earlier post when I mentioned Alexander the Great and how his teacher, Aristotle, valued the use of teaching time in the outdoors. This is another example of the use of experiential learning in East Lothian producing results. I look forward to working with the school in the spring with the new Bronze pupils.
Preston Lodge High School vs Alexander The Great December 5, 2006
Posted by Bill in : Alexander The Great, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Experiential Learning, Outdoor Education, Outdoor Learning, Preston Lodge High School , add a comment
Today I was working with a great bunch of S3 pupils from Preston Lodge High School. As we set out for the hills to practice walking and navigation skills for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award I had thoughts on the challenges that lay ahead.
Alexander the Great’s mentors namley, Phillip his father and Aristotle realised the value of outdoor and experiential learning. as a consequence much of Alexanders teaching took place in the outdoors during expeditions. They hoped that this would build for Alexander, amongst other skills, a respect for nature and the wider world, enabling him to make informed decisions, their own Curriculum For Excellence in a way?( I believe Alexander had his first victory at 16!). Today I knew that this was a strong team and I know they will gain a tremendous amount from their journey through the award. I wonder will there be any Alexanders or Alexandrias in this team?
