A partnership between Lathallan and the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has launched a new initiative ‘NTSX’ that aims to empower senior pupils and their schools on a dynamic pupil-led programme of action, guided by the core values of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) – Nature, Beauty and Heritage for everyone.
The objective of NTSX is to ignite interest, stewardship, and a lasting understanding of Scotland’s natural, cultural and built heritage among secondary school-aged pupils.
This pilot project holds immense transformative potential, with the ability to reshape the landscape of NTS engagement for years to come.
The initial phase of the project is two-fold. Firstly, it aims to demonstrate the practical criteria that secondary schools would need to fulfil to achieve the status of a National Trust for Scotland School – NTSX.
Secondly, the project aims to run flexible programs at two of the three age group levels, carefully evaluating their effectiveness. By assessing the impact, Lathallan School and the National Trust for Scotland can refine and enhance NTSX, ensuring its long-term success.
NTSX is a visionary undertaking that is set to empower the next generation of students to become stewards of Scotland’s natural wonders, cultural treasures, and architectural marvels.
Talking about NTSX, Headmaster at Lathallan School Richard Toley said:
“We’re delighted to be working with NTS on this incredibly important pilot project. In the first term of this academic year our S4 pupils have been experienced NTSX and in February they’ll be presenting a reflection on what they have experienced as learning volunteers to NTS representatives.
When we first started talking to NTS about this opportunity, we were focused on how we get young people enthused about NTS and as a result we have tried to embed ownership, collaboration, fun, meaning and memories in the programme we’re piloting.
For this pilot, our pupils have been visiting our local NTS property, The House of Dun, every week. These learning outside-the-classroom experiences have included sales, retail, events, ecology and conservation. Pupils have been keeping reflective journals about their experiences as the unfamiliar becomes familiar and they build their skills, contacts and understanding.”
Talking about her experience of NTSX, Imogen (S4) said:
“A highlight for me was when we met a product manager who does the purchasing for non-edible goods in the NTS shops. She spoke about her 17 years at NTS doing a variety of jobs from merchandising to project manager for new shops and products plus liaising with architects on shop design as well as development of the online shop. It was interesting to learn about forecasting and promotions. We were then tasked to think about a local product for the House of Dun that people could take away as a memento of their visit.”
Alexia (S4) said:
“I thought the restoration work was interesting and how the House of Dun often gives and receives artefacts from other properties. We met a member of the NTS restoration team who looks after the collection of the house. We spent some time shadowing her to better understand the work. I learnt about how the sun, dampness, draught and bugs can affect the collection and how she measured and monitored the different components in each room.”
Tigerlily (S4) added:
“The tours help to spread the history of Scotland’s historical estates to the public through storytelling, to keep people engaged and interested. I saw how doing this could benefit me, as a lot of jobs will look to people who have communication skills with the public. If I applied for a historical job it could show that I have good knowledge retention, much the same as an acting job. It got me thinking about how beneficial it is to learn about local history and to interact with other people whilst doing something you are passionate about.”
The next group of Lathallan S4 pupils will experience NTSX in the Spring and we continue to build evidence for this pilot project with NTS.
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.