New research has found that children today have fewer opportunities to go on outdoor education trips than a decade ago.
A survey conducted by the Bohunt Education Trust revealed that just ten per cent of people think that children have more outdoor education opportunities than in the past, with the remaining 90 per cent believing there are fewer chances for kids to go on these kinds of trips.
Of those, 71 per cent cited the cost as being the main factor preventing schools from running more trips to try outdoor activities in Derbyshire and other parts of the country.
What’s more, 78 per cent of the people questioned said that they believe outdoor education is important for children’s self development, while 68 per cent stated that it improves academic achievement.
Phil Avery, director of education at the Trust, said that these kinds of trips “provide so much benefit for young people”.
“They help their self development, communication and resilience, and instil a sense of adventure and challenge which prepares students for success in life,” he added.
Schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award are one way for schools to help their pupils get out and enjoy a range of adventure activities. Last month, the DofE was described as an “amazing opportunity” for young people that gives the the chance to “acquire life-changing skills”, by Chris Cunningham, a spokesman for Glasgow City Council.
He made the comments as 447 young people received their awards, with the Evening Times noting that in 2017 a total of 757 youngsters in the council’s area were granted DofE Awards.
