O'Factor Celebrates Outdoor Learning

Schools and early years establishments across East Ayrshire have been showcasing some of the fantastic outdoor learning taking place as part of the annual O’Factor outdoor learning awards event.

Hosted by the East Ayrshire Outdoors Support Team, the event took place at St Joseph’s Academy in Kilmarnock.

As always, the displays were outstanding, presenting the variety of outdoor learning opportunities our children and young people are experiencing in playgrounds, green spaces, urban environments and global expeditions.

One distinguished guest - Brave, the chicken from Logan Primary School and Early Childhood Centre - was an exciting addition to the already crowded hall at St Joseph’s Campus and the buzz of chatter as networking and sharing took place was hard to ignore!

The winners this year were:

Excellent Outdoor Teacher: Aynsley Sawyers, Nether Robertland Primary

Excellent Outdoor Practitioner: Stephen Paton, Doon Academy

Brilliantest Residential: Catrine Early Childhood Centre and Hostelling Scotland at Pitlochry

Excellence in Outdoor Learning Early: St Andrew’s Early Childhood Centre

Excellence in Outdoor Learning Primary: Logan Primary

Excellence in Outdoor Learning Secondary: St Joseph’s Academy

Excellence in Outdoor Learning Special: Joint Hillside and Loudoun Communication Centre

The Conservation Volunteers Prize: Craighead Nursery

Many partner organisations attended the event, offering information, resources and opportunities for our establishments to access; Hostelling Scotland, Dumfries House, Archaeology Scotland and Clyde Muirshiel, John Muir Award, The Conservation Volunteers, Cumbrae Watersports, Duke of Edinburgh, Brilliant residentials/Learning Away, Scottish Natural Heritage, Field Studies Council and Outdoor & Woodland Learning.