Building Pathways Beyond the Classroom
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 | 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. 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.
