St Columba’s classrooms without walls
It is undeniable that in recent years we have come to truly understand that indoor confinement is only tolerable for so long before a yearning for freedom kicks in. Thankfully, for the pupils of St Columba’s school, the great outdoors is a key part of their learning journey.
Kilmacolm sits on the fringes of not one but two preservation areas of outstanding natural beauty: the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.
The village of Kilmacolm itself is leafy and safe with the expanse of Birkmyre Park playing a significant part in every child’s time at school. In fact, the proximity to wild places has allowed the school to build a wealth of learning opportunities into the curriculum. Pupils regularly supplement their studies in geography, history, science, art and drama when they step foot out of school. While some resources are found in textbooks, the Columban ethos recognises that the classroom extends further than the walls of the school.
St Columba’s also boasts an Outdoor Centre and Outdoor Education specialist who leads the school’s Duke of Edinburgh and John Muir Award activities. Meanwhile, at Junior School, pupils from infant years onwards take part in the Mini and Junior Dukes awards. Every child has the chance – and is actively encouraged – to take part in these programmes and others, including British Canoeing and the National Navigation Award Scheme. For Junior School and Transitus pupils (P7), some of these schemes are integrated into the curriculum. St Columba’s considers the journey from Early Years to Senior VI as one of seamless transition. Its educational philosophy centres on the individual and building strong foundations is very much the keystone of the Junior School experience. The focus at Junior School is Outdoor Education – not just learning outdoors. The enclosed, but wild woodland area on the school’s Junior School site offers children a safe space and rich learning environment in which to delve into nature.
The school nurtures strong partnerships with local providers of water sports, skiing, tennis, bowling, mountain biking, cycle training and golf. Meanwhile, the Clyde in the Classroom project is a partnership that sees biology and sustainability come together in real-life lessons for Junior School pupils.
Children are the adults of tomorrow and the school aims to ensure that its pupils have a deep-rooted respect for the world around them, as well as a sense of accountability and ownership for protecting our environment. They travel by foot, observe both familiar and unfamiliar places, and foster curiosity and confidence. Pupils develop their leadership, problem-solving and teamwork skills in the fresh air and the importance given to outdoor learning is most definitely a crucial factor in this self-awareness.
It is, perhaps, no surprise that staff, parents and pupils see a Columban education as an investment for life – an unparalleled learning experience in a stunning part of the world.