Issue 6: Learning and Inclusion

Wee Epics

ISSUES

• Making the most of the National Park as a resource for outdoor learning through the curriculum and for the whole learning community, including family learning, community learning and development and adult learning; and
• Addressing the barriers for under-represented groups to engage with the National Park. Key under-represented groups are schools from socially deprived areas, people with disabilities, young people (under 24), people in lower income/socio-economic groups and people from black and minority ethnic communities.

 90 pupils a year involved in the Junior Ranger project from the 6 secondary schools across the National Park.

 25,000 John Muir Awards have been completed through the Cairngorms National Park Authority since 2003, of which 25% of participants come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

48 leaders from black and minority ethnic communities trained through the Community Leadership Programme benefiting a further 869 people to engage with their environment.

Wee Epics

TARGETS / PREFERRED DIRECTION

• Provide an opportunity for every child to visit the Cairngorms National Park during their school life to learn about and connect with the Park;
• Raise awareness and understanding of the Park and the issues and choices involved in management of the Park; and
• Create a Park for All that inspires a diversity of people to engage with and care for their National Park through lifelong learning.

Wee Epics

Number of John Muir Awards completed through the Cairngorms National Park Authority since 2007

MECHANISMS FOR DELIVERY

Overcoming the barriers for schools and under-represented groups engaging with the Cairngorms National Park by:

• Building relationships and developing networks through partnership working locally and strategically
• Building commitment, confidence and competence through training leaders and staff, providing structured education programmes
• Raising awareness and providing information through developing and promoting learning resources
• Providing practical support through the travel grant scheme and officer support
• John Muir Award

Wee Epics

Origin of schools and groups who received the travel grant to visit the Cairngorms National Park

ISSUE 6 | KEY QUESTIONS

• How can children across Scotland have the opportunity to visit and learn from being in the Cairngorms National Park?

• What else could be done to help underrepresented groups visit and experience the National Park?