Beyond the Classroom Conference
Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development are thrilled to announce their hugely popular 'Beyond the Classroom Conference' is back for its 8th year!
Taking place on Friday 25th April 2025 at High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre near Dorking, this is the perfect conference for all outdoor educators.
Whether you have been developing your outdoor learning journey at your school or are just starting, we have the resources and inspiration that will help you, at every step of the way.
Your personal invitation
SOLD invite you to join them for an exciting day in the outdoors, immerse yourself in a choice of over 20 new workshops covering curriculum linked lesson ideas, receive plenty of resources to take back to school and get ready to be inspired by our highly regarded and motivational industry speakers.
Special guest, Alistair Humphreys
Our special guest, keynote speaker this year is adventurer and writer Alastair Humphreys.
As well as expeditions such as cycling round the world, walking across India and rowing the Atlantic, Alastair was named as a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year for his pioneering work on the concept of microadventures, trying to encourage people to get outside, get out of their comfort zone, go somewhere they've never been.
A microadventure is an adventure that is close to home, cheap, simple, short, and yet very effective.
Alastair has written 15 books about his adventures and is a seasoned speaker who is inspiring, down-to-earth, quick-witted, honest, energetic and challenges his audiences to set more challenging goals - to do more. He reminds everyone that nothing is achieved without being bold enough to begin it and encourages people to believe in themselves and their potential.
Keynote Speaker, Dr Dave Harvey
Having initially qualified as a teacher of outdoor education and design technology, Dave developed his career working in and then managing outdoor education centres before embarking on a full-time PhD in outdoor learning.
He has worked in primary, secondary, further and higher education settings and now runs his own consultancy, research and training business and working with schools to develop their outdoor learning offer.
Dave is looking forward to delivering his interesting and thought provoking speech about
'Venturing out - Why Outdoor Learning Matters'
Home | Dave Harvey Outdoor Learning
Why attend?
Some feedback from previous delegates:
- Amazing and inspiring day!
- Great to share ideas with other educators too.
- Absolutely fantastic day, with loads of practical ideas and resources ready to use.
- Hugely good fun and inspiring.
- I love this annual opportunity to mingle with teachers, get their thoughts on outdoor education.
- I always come away inspired with new thoughts, angles and ideas
- We were made to feel very welcome, nothing was too much trouble.
- Great organisation and food!
- I was enthused and excited by the whole day.
- I learnt something I could take home and use instantly from every workshop
- I also bought back the "outside learning day" to the school and everyone taught one lesson outside on the 23rd May.
- There was a good wide choice of workshops and the speakers were good.
What to expect
Workshops
Choose 4 workshops to attend on the day when you book your place.
There is a huge range to choose from and lots of new options for 2025, take a look at the workshops.
Resources
During the day, you will be supplied with plenty of ideas and resources. When you return to school, you'll feel inspired to have a positive effect on your outdoor learning.
Goody Bag
Each delegate will receive a goody bag filled with helpful materials, including resources, lesson plans, and support information. It is even bigger and better for April 25! It will help you take your outdoor learning to the next level.
Food
We want you to stay energised all day. Our wonderful catering team will provide you with plenty of food and refreshments.
This will include a delicious breakfast snack, a hearty lunch in the outdoors, and plenty of healthy snacks throughout the day.
Who should come?
Attention all teachers who enjoy outdoor education: this is specifically for you.
This is important for teachers in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, outdoor learning leads, sports coordinators, and educators.
Plus, it is suitable for teachers involved with transition from primary to secondary and OAA (Outdoor Adventurous Activities) in Key Stage 3. Suitable for mainstream and SEN schools (Special Education Needs).
How much does it cost?
Standard ticket price £170.
What it is included on the price
- Keynote speeches from industry experts
- A light breakfast
- Refreshments all day
- A hearty lunch
- A goody bag filled with learning resources.
- Attendance to 4 workshops from a choice of over 20
- Resources from all workshops.
- Networking with like-minded educators.
- A day in the outdoors – and in our huge tent teepee 'Big Hat'!
- The Sport Premium Funding can finance outdoor learning.
- We really look forward to seeing you for an amazing day in the outdoors!Book your ticket
Beyond the Classroom newsletter
Teachers can sign up for our Beyond the Classroom newsletter, which is packed with outdoor industry information, conference information and tickets, research, lesson plans, and resources.
It will help you feel confident in teaching your outdoor curriculum at your school.