Scottish Government Faces Deadline on Outdoor Education Bill

The Scottish government is poised to make a pivotal decision regarding outdoor education for schoolchildren in Scotland. A proposed bill, introduced by Conservative MSP Liz Smith, aims to guarantee a week of residential outdoor education for every pupil, a move that could significantly impact future generations. The Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) bill has garnered substantial support within the Scottish Parliament. However, it faces a major hurdle: the lack of government financial backing.

Currently, the bill proposes that every child in Scotland is entitled to four nights and five days of outdoor education during their school years. Smith, a former teacher, has long championed the benefits of such experiences. “I think we should be trying to level up, to ensure that young people, whoever they are, whatever their background, whatever their family circumstances, they should have that opportunity,” she stated.

The potential benefits of residential outdoor education are well-documented. Smith cites research indicating that participation leads to improved attendance, better behavior, and enhanced self-discipline among students. Yet, the reality is that access to such programs is inconsistent across the country. According to research by the University of Edinburgh, only one-third of secondary schools and a mere one-quarter of primary schools currently offer outdoor education experiences.

Located just thirty minutes from Glasgow, the Dounans Outdoor Education Centre in Trossachs National Park serves as an example of the kind of programs that could be more widely available. Recently, a Primary 7 group from Fife engaged in activities such as canoeing and tree climbing. Eleven-year-old Harris, who successfully climbed a tall tree, expressed his pride in the accomplishment, saying, “When everyone was cheering me on that helped.” His classmate, ten-year-old Orla, noted the exhilarating feeling of success despite her initial fears.

Despite the enthusiasm for outdoor education, there are significant financial constraints. Smith estimates that implementing the proposed policy would cost between £25 million and £40 million annually. Natalie Don-Innes, the Minister for Children, articulated the government’s concerns, stating that such funding could jeopardize other educational initiatives. “Where would you seek to cut funding from in education? Would it be our teachers, our schools, would it be nurseries or our colleges?” she asked during a parliamentary session.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government emphasized the need for further discussion on the bill’s affordability and its impact on the education workforce before any financial resolution can be considered. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) has also raised valid concerns about logistical challenges, including the costs of transport and the effect on schools’ ability to participate in other educational trips.

Advocates for outdoor education, such as the Outward Bound Trust, argue that the investment is worthwhile. They reference a global study conducted across eight countries that found every £1 invested in Outward Bound programs yields a societal return of between £5 and £15. Chief Executive Martin Davidson remarked, “Outward Bound doesn’t teach young people to canoe or to climb; what we teach young people is about themselves.”

As the Scottish Parliament continues to discuss the proposed bill, the clock is ticking. If funding issues remain unresolved by the end of March 2024, the legislation will likely fail, despite having significant support from many Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). The outcome of this decision could shape the educational landscape for countless children in Scotland, highlighting the ongoing debate over resource allocation in education.