Pathways

The Mud Pie Economy - lifelong pathways for play and learning
Carolyn McFarlane, Outdoor and Nature Based Learning Lead, Thrive Outdoors Inspiring Scotland | Etvie Currie, Place Lead (Spatial Planning, Research and Development), Glasgow City Planning, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability team, 

Drawing on the expertise of Thrive Outdoors and GCC NRS, the 'Mud Pie Economy' explores how partnerships across neighbourhoods, schools and community spaces can shape lifelong routes for play and learning. Using existing tools such as the Place Standard, Target 2030 and Play Sufficiency Assessment, we show how we can identify assets, opportunities and challenges. Practical actions based on Natural Progression, Play Neighbourhoods and Child Friendly Cities approaches are shared. How can we each contribute to a connected, rich and equitable learning and play environment that benefits all children, young people and communities in Scotland?

Beyond the Classroom: Using Place and Experience to Build Learner Pathways
Freda Fallon, Head of Scottish Education Partnerships, The Outward Bound Trust | Mike Hamilton OBE, Interim Director of Education, The Outward Bound Trust | Lisa Robinson, Head of Scottish Partnerships, The Outward Bound Trust

Supporting Scotland’s ambition to deliver skills-for-learning, life and work, this workshop explores how place‑based and experiential learning can strengthen learner pathways. An Education Toolkit supporting this is free to all attendees. Led by Mike Hamilton OBE, Freda Fallon and Lisa Robinson of The Outward Bound Trust, the workshop shows how outdoor experiential approaches build confidence, resilience and essential skills, for learners from rural and hard‑to‑reach communities. Participants explore how classrooms, communities and outdoor environments connect to create inclusive learning journeys. A Loch Eil centre case study, focusing on young people from Fife, highlights the impact of collaboration on learner outcomes.

Educating the Future of Scottish Construction
Daniel McDonagh, Education Director, Class Of Your Own

Delegates will learn how the 'Design Engineer Construct' learning programme has created a pathway from schools throughout Scotland into Architecture, Engineering and Construction careers. Class Of Your Own is a social enterprise that develops educational programmes designed to introduce young people to careers in the built environment. We works with schools, colleges, and industry partners throughout Scotland to deliver project-based learning that explores how buildings and infrastructure are designed, engineered, and constructed. Our flagship programme, Design Engineer Construct! (DEC), provides a structured pathway for students aged 4–18 to develop skills in areas such as architecture, engineering, and construction. Through real-world design projects and the use of industry tools and methods, students gain practical experience while building knowledge in STEM subjects. Class Of Your Own’s mission is to inspire the next generation of professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors by connecting education with industry and helping young people understand and shape the built environment around them. In this presentation, delegates will hear how we use school buildings as a tool for learning about the application of STEM and the breadth of careers available to students. Hear from current and past students of the programme as they share their journeys with 'DEC', along with industry partners who are investing in the programme.