Oriel High School was delighted to receive news that we had been judged as a ‘Gold’ standard school in the provision of ‘Learning outside the Classroom’ opportunities for our students. Very few mainstream secondary schools nationally hold this level of award from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. Oriel has always prided itself on offering interesting and new opportunities for students to learn from trips, visits, and other enrichment activities.  Post pandemic the school looked to further embed these activities alongside classroom activities and celebrate the impact they have on the behaviour and attitudes of students. This award is testament to that focus and work by staff.

Ryan Sallows, the schools Business Manager has been the schools Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC) for the past 10 years. He said “Few mainstream secondary schools achieve Gold LOtC Mark, so for us this is a fantastic achievement for all the staff here as it shows that we have really put in the work to ensure our students have access to these opportunities to learn outside the classroom. “We also recognise the tremendous support we have from our parents and carers.

Helen Everitt, Deputy Headteacher (Curriculum) stated “We are determined that the quality of education our students receive is always at the forefront of our thinking. LOtC ensures that students at our school develop new skills and knowledge which enables them to be confident and happy at school”.

Dr Anne Hunt, Chief Executive of the Council for LOtC said: “Learning outside the classroom is well evidenced to deliver multiple co-benefits to learning, health & wellbeing, skills, and socio-emotional outcomes, as well as building much needed connections between schools and their communities near and far. It can help break down barriers and address inequalities. It also provides some of the most memorable experiences in our school
life. “Achieving the LOtC Mark reflects Oriel High Schools commitment to ‘extending the boundaries’ and providing opportunities for every young person to succeed by embedding a full range of learning outside the classroom experiences into each school’s unique approach. I congratulate all the schools on achieving the award, and I look forward to hearing how they continue to benefit from taking their teaching and learning above and beyond.”

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom stated. The setting has demonstrated their commitment to LOtC through their focus on personal development for their young people, as well as clear curriculum links being made through their LOtC opportunities. LOtC provision for the students is well embedded into both the curriculum and wider school plans. It is excellent to see that there is a team of people involved in their delivery of LOtC, from curriculum leads, to SLT and governors. It was wonderful to hear the school leaders discuss LOtC and to be able to give interesting examples of how it is part of the fabric of the school.  

To Oriel High School – Well done on all that you have achieved through your LOtC mark journey and well done to all the staff at the setting that support such high-quality provision.