Lathallan is the only all-through school in Scotland to hold the Gold LOtC quality mark.
A short video from the Council of Learning Outside the Classroom.
Lathallan is proud to hold the Gold Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Mark for its commitment to taking learning beyond the classroom, making it the only all-through school in Scotland to hold this Gold LOtC Mark.
Learning outside the classroom is not just about learning outside in the fresh air or outdoor education, it encompasses the valuable learning experiences that occur in any setting outside of the classroom across the whole curriculum.
LOtC enhances academic learning, promotes personal and social development, broadens perspectives, connects our young people with nature, and cultivates important skills for the future. It complements classroom learning by providing real-world experiences that inspire curiosity, ignite passion, and create lifelong learners.
At Lathallan ‘Opportunity’ is one of our core values and LOtC is inclusive and available to all.
This award comes just a few years after Lathallan was awarded UK Small Independent School of the Year 2021.
Gold LOtC
The LOtC Mark is a quality assurance scheme that supports and celebrates schools and educational settings who provide meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. This provides Lathallan with a framework to ensure we are the best that we can be in LOtC.
Richard Toley, Headmaster at Lathallan School said:
“We’re so pleased to get this official recognition from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. This award is a testament to the collective efforts and passion that our school community put in to create a truly inspirational educational environment for our young people at Lathallan. While going through the LOtC assessment we reflected on our provision and proudly shared over 200 LOtC experiences that our pupils had been exposed to in the last two terms alone.
Learning outside the classroom has always been a feature of the educational provision at Lathallan and the value is widely recognised by pupils, parents, teaching staff and various outside agencies including Education Scotland. All staff are encouraged to approach curriculum development with creativity and whenever a teacher is planning a lesson, they’ll ask ‘where is the best place for this learning to take place?’
This Gold LOtC Mark signifies our commitment to providing our pupils from six weeks to 18 years with opportunities to explore, discover, and grow beyond the traditional classroom walls. ”
Graphic from the Council of Learning Outside the Classroom.
Where does LOtC take place?
Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) is the use of places other than the classroom for teaching and learning.
Over the last two terms, March to December 2023, our school has provided more than 200 LOtC experiences across the school curriculum including visitors and events on-site, regular use of the school grounds, trips within our local learning area, residentials, off-site visits and excursions further afield.
Why LOtC?
Learning outside the classroom provides unique and valuable educational experiences that cannot be replicated within the four walls of a traditional classroom. It offers opportunities for students to explore, discover, and engage with the world around them in a hands-on and experiential manner.
Real-world application
Learning outside the classroom allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. This practical experience enhances their understanding and retention of the topics they are studying.
Personal development
Learning outside the classroom is core to personal development at Lathallan. It encourages our students to stretch their minds and challenges them to step out of their comfort zones. By facing new situations and overcoming obstacles, students develop confidence, adaptability and resilience.
Broadening perspectives
Learning outside the classroom exposes our pupils to different cultures, environments, and perspectives. It helps them to become more open-minded and aware as they build a bank of lived experience.
Collaboration and teamwork
Participating in group activities and projects while outside the classroom is exciting, engaging, and builds skills. Students learn to communicate effectively, collaborate, negotiate, and work together towards a common goal.
Lathallan School have truly embraced LOtC across their school and are optimising opportunities to take learning into their school grounds and beyond, actively choosing where learning can happen best on a daily basis, and in doing so offering engaging, memorable, and relevant learning experiences that help build invaluable skills for the future. A fantastic achievement!”
– Dr Anne Hunt, CEO, Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
What makes Lathallan LOtC Gold?
It’s part of our school DNA
Learning outside the classroom is embedded in the mindset of our staff, pupils and parents. It’s why teachers join our school, and why young people choose to come and learn with us. The LOtC culture that’s lived and breathed at Lathallan is what forms the foundation for all the amazing experiences we offer our pupils.
Across the entire curriculum
Learning outside the classroom isn’t limited to specific subjects, it’s across the entire curriculum, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. This approach not only enhances academic understanding, but pupils are more engaged, curious and excited as a result of hands-on learning – be that sketching for an art and design class in the walled garden, tending to the animals on the school farm, using playground equipment to study physical forces or performing in a school show.
Our environment
Lathallan School has 62 acres of woodland; parkland and a mix of 19th-century and modern buildings on the North Sea Coast of Aberdeenshire with immediate access to rocky coastline; a small fishing village and agricultural land.
Connecting with nature
Learning outside the classroom at Lathallan often involves outdoor activities and exploration of the natural environment. This connection with nature has numerous benefits, including improved mental well-being, increased physical activity, and a better understanding and appreciation of the natural world. It helps our pupils develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
Outdoor education
When it comes to Outdoor Education, Lathallan is a sector leader. From the youngest members of our school community taking part in nursery climbing and sledging trips to our older pupils completing multi-day expeditions in remote areas, outdoor education follows pupils through their journey at school until a pupil leaves in S6.
