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LPS26 Conference Programme

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Building Pathways Beyond the Classroom

03 Nov 2026
Stage 2

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

Beyond the Classroom: Using Place and Experience to Build Learner Pathways
Freda Fallon, Head of Scottish Education Partnerships, 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 discussion is an exploration of how place based and experiential learning can strengthen learner pathways.

Represented by Freda Fallon and Lisa Robinson of The Outward Bound Trust, they discuss how outdoor experiential approaches build confidence, resilience and essential skills, for learners. Partnerships explore how classrooms, communities and outdoor environments connect to create inclusive learning journeys

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. 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. The programme offers qualifications at SCQF Level 5 and Level 6 and provides a clear pathway to university, apprenticeships, and employment.

 

 

Chairperson
Fiona Robertson, Executive Manager, Education & Learning / Chief Education Officer - Shetland Islands Council
Speakers
Carolyn McFarlane, Outdoor and Nature Based Learning Lead - Thrive Outdoors Inspiring Scotland
Etive Currie, Place Lead (Spatial Planning, Research and Development) - Glasgow City Planning, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability team
Freda Fallon, Head of Scottish Education Partnerships - The Outward Bound Trust
Lisa Robinson, Head of Scottish Partnerships - The Outward Bound Trust
Daniel McDonagh, Education Director - Class of Your Own
Diarmaid Lawlor, Associate Director – Place, Housing & Economic Investment - Scottish Futures Trust