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Aquaplay Scotland Working with Schools and Young People

Education and Personal Development in the Outdoors

The outdoor environment provides an exciting and stimulating context in which pupils can experience a variety of different activities. Aquaplay Scotland can offer young people opportunities to develop their skills and personal attributes in a setting outwith the classroom, supporting and building on their learning within school, whilst at the same time having fun. We can tailor courses to suit the needs of different groups of learners, from a single day’s activity to a course running over several weeks or even months. We are members of the Institute for Outdoor Learning, internationally renowned as the keystone for quality in outdoor learning. We have full public and employer’s liability insurance and hold an AALA licence for the listed activities.

Skills

As well as skills associated with the particular activity or activities chosen, pupils are encouraged to develop life skills such as communication, problem solving, team building, decision making , self-reflection/evaluation and leadership. During activities, we will set tasks and challenges which encourage the development of these skills. If you wish, we can focus on one specific skill, developing this in more depth. We can also incorporate risk assessment techniques, an introduction to water safety and rescue methods and/or scenarios for pupils to practise first aid skills.

Curriculum for Excellence

Aquaplay Scotland can provide opportunities for personal achievement and experiences beyond the classroom where pupils will meet challenge and success at their own individual level. Our outdoor learning activities can contribute towards young people becoming successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors as shown by the areas highlighted in blue below.

Health and Wellbeing Outcomes

Our activities and skills development naturally contribute to some of the draft Health and Wellbeing outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence. We have included some of those below as examples:

Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing

To enhance my learning and personal development, I can expect my learning environment at all stages to support me to:

• build and maintain my confidence, resilience, self-awareness and self worth
• understand and maintain positive mental wellbeing through participation in a wide range of activities
  

At all stages

I am learning to assess and manage risk, to protect myself and others, and to reduce the potential for harm when possible. I know the actions I should take in an emergency including first aid.

Physical education, physical activity and sport

At all levels my learning in, through and about physical education, physical activity and sport:

• allows me to experience a sense of personal achievement and motivation, increased confidence and positive self esteem as a reward for my best efforts
• develops in me a sense of safety and a knowledge of my body and how to recognise, evaluate and handle risk
• provides opportunities for social interaction and the acquisition of personal and interpersonal skills and strategies
  

Co-operation and competition: interpersonal skills

By experiencing the challenges of competition, I am developing the skills to lead and support group work, to act responsibly as an individual and to contribute effectively to groups and teams.   (HWB 306E)
By participating in physical experiences and pursuits within school or beyond I understand the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment and I can demonstrate how my personal and social behaviour contributes to positive learning and fair play.    (HWB 407F)

Evaluating and appreciating

Having reflected on personal experiences I can:

• observe closely, reflect, describe and analyse key aspects of my own and others’ performances
• make informed judgements, specific to an activity
• monitor and take responsibility for improving my own performance based on recognition of personal strengths and development needs.   (HWB 408G)