Consultation has recently closed on the schools (Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill, which would guarantee a week of outdoor residential education for children ages between 12 and 16, and provides the necessary funding to state schools for this. The Bill was introduced by Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Liz Smith, who worked as a teacher before entering Parliament.
The timing of the proposal of the Outdoor Education Bill coincides with the growing problem of reducing outdoor education. Smith points out that the provision of outdoor education facilities has more than halved since 1982, from 126 to 51. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic put in-person education on hold across the country, which extended to the cancellation of residential education for many secondary school students. Due to this, many outdoor education facilities are in an extremely precarious position today, at risk of losing funding from councils operating under tighter budgets, and unable to receive support from schools struggling with their own reduced funding. As such, the Bill seeking to guarantee the survival of such facilities is vital for improving Scottish education, which has itself been struggling over the past 15 years.
If this Bill were to pass, it would create hugely positive benefits for all Scottish children, particularly those living in urban areas. This is why the Bill would be vital for ensuring equal opportunities for BAME Scottish children. Over 60% of BAME Scots lived in the four major cities of Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee) at the 2011 census, in areas which often allow the least opportunity for outdoor education due to their built-up nature. By guaranteeing that children in secondary school can spend time in outdoor residences, the Bill helps to break down this barrier to outdoor learning, limiting regional inequality in education and allowing all secondary school children to benefit from outdoor education.
Smith set out her reasoning for the Bill in her consultation proposal. She argued that:
“Adventurous new experiences in the outdoors develop young people with a lifelong connection and concern for the natural environment, self-esteem, self-reliance, confidence, resilience and an understanding of how to deal with new challenges and manage risk. It also helps young people to know what it means to be part of a team, to learn leadership skills and the importance of valuing friendship.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Pam Gosal also tweeted her support of the Bill, saying:
“Outdoor education is hugely beneficial for the wellbeing of young people, which is so important after the impact the pandemic has had on their education”
The Bill has currently finished its consultation stage, with an “overwhelmingly positive response” according to Smith. With this stage finished, the Bill will be introduced to Parliament, for debate and passage. Smith hopes it will receive cross-party support in Holyrood, due to the nature of the Bill and the importance of outdoor education in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. The passage of this Bill would ensure that education in outdoor residentials – a highlight of many students’ times in school – can be experienced by all Scots, regardless of where they live.