More than 30 teachers from the Highlands and Islands will gather at the Waterside Hotel, Inverness, (Tuesday 21 August) to discover more about outdoor learning. Organised by Careers Scotland, part of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the day will focus on the benefits of learning in a natural setting so that teachers can bring ideas and techniques back to the classroom. Representatives from organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Highland Council Ranger Service will discuss opportunities for hands-on learning in an outdoor setting. These methods can help to develop confidence and self esteem, as well as a practical understanding of the environment and sustainability issues. The teachers will explore and identify opportunities and barriers that influence them in deciding whether to take pupils outdoors to appreciate and learn about the natural heritage. The workshops coincide with the launch of Inverness City Partnership's story sacks - backpacks of resources for five to eight year olds which will be available to borrow from the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. The teachers plan to attend the launch at the Ness Islands to learn more about the resources which are relevant to the islands and include minibeasts magic, tall tree tales and maps and bridges. Jenny MacRae, HIE's Excellence in Education through Business Links (EEBL) co-ordinator, will be there on the day along with Suzann Barr from Abriachan Forest Trust, Sue MacKenzie of the National Trust for Scotland, SNH's Iona Finlayson, Patricia Weeks from Historic Scotland, Eleanor Gordon from CSV Action 4 Sustainability and Katy Martin, Highland Council ranger. Jenny is confident that outdoor learning offers unique opportunities to extend the potential to young people. She said: "We learn in context and through experience, therefore we need to offer different and challenging experiences to stimulate students' learning and development. Learning beyond the classroom, in all its forms, can make a huge contribution to this. "I am delighted that so many organisations involved in the outdoors are coming together to help support schools, in light of the Curriculum for Excellence recommendations, which recognise that learning is embedded in experience." Excellence in Education through Business Links (EEBL) provides teachers with information on how to gain experience from participation on work placements that relate to outdoor learning. The knowledge and skills that they learn can be put into practice with pupils in the classroom. Through the EEBL programme, teachers have the opportunity to take part in one or two-day placements with the organisations involved in outdoor learning. For further information on the EEBL programme contact Jenny MacRae on 01463 244548. | 
