Last year, St. Bede’s College embarked on a trip that would inspire a whole new chapter in our educational journey. Mrs Claire Hunt, our Head of Prep, along with her team, set their sights on a school nestled in the stunning landscape of Lomond, Scotland. Little did they know that this expedition would set the wheels in motion for something truly remarkable back home.
The primary aim of their visit centred around exploring innovative approaches to education, particularly honing in on outdoor learning experiences and inquiry-based learning. These engaging methods significantly enrich the pupil experience at St. Bede’s Prep, making it an exciting place for our students to thrive. In the spirit of inspiration befitting the Scottish Highlands, the team returned with a renewed zest and a vision to integrate these enriching elements into our curriculum.
Fast forward to September 2024, and we proudly unveiled our outdoor learning initiative, cleverly called The Bedian Rangers Programme. This wasn’t something thrown together on a whim; it was a carefully planned endeavour, spearheaded by Mrs Eddison, who has been teaching our children weekly in the newly established outdoor learning space—a classroom that breathes fresh air and the spirit of adventure. This unique programme, inspired by inquiry-based learning, places immense emphasis on child-led exploration, resonating perfectly with the principles of the Early Years curriculum.
Some of the activities offered through The Bedian Rangers Programme are nothing short of delightful. From orienteering that teaches students about navigation and map skills, to mark making, where creativity takes centre stage, our pupils have been thoroughly engaged.
As we reflect on our journey thus far, it’s clear that the Bedian Rangers Programme has become an integral part of our school fabric. The initial inspiration from our Scottish adventure has blossomed into a vibrant educational initiative, reminding us all that learning can indeed take place anywhere, especially when nature is your classroom. Here’s to many more adventures ahead, as we continue to foster a love for learning that goes beyond traditional boundaries!
