Phil Revell, Chief Executive of the National Governors' Association (NGA), on his role on the Learning Outside the Classroom National Advisory Group
The NGA represents school governors in England; there are
over 300,000 governors, the largest volunteer group in the UK.
School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools;
governors appoint headteachers and other staff; in some schools the site is
owned by the governing body. Governors are therefore a key stakeholder in the
development of Learning Outside the Classroom.
The NGA is a firm supporter of the principles of out-of-classroom learning. The voluntary nature of governors means they themselves bring a variety of interests and skills to schools, many of which can be applied in learning outside the classroom and the NGA encourages governors to get involved wherever possible. For example, some of the governors we work with have experience of leading expeditions both inside the UK and beyond; others' skills range from being a kayak instructor to a historian. We encourage governors to work with their school's to offer the value of their experiences and participate wherever possible to help deliver better outcomes for young people.
Direct experience should be at the heart of learning and when properly integrated into schools it can be of significant benefit. The NGA is therefore working closely with the Manifesto partners and the DCSF on the development of the new Out and About guidance and the development of the LOtC quality badge.
In the UK we have a strong tradition of learning outside the classroom. Governors value such activities and they appreciate the time given by the teachers and support staff who lead the activities. The NGA supports the Manifesto process and believes it can help with the process of helping more young people experience what is a very powerful form of learning.
