OUTDOOR education in the Peak District was the focus of a conference hosted by Buxton & Leek College this autumn.
Allan Shaw, Buxton & Leek College’s Outdoor Sport Tutor, organised the event where members of The Institute of Outdoor Learning (IOL) and Association of Head Teachers for Outdoor Learning came together under the iconic Devonshire Dome in Buxton.
Several ex students were among the heads of outdoor centres and university staff who attended to discuss the role of the IOL and issues affecting outdoor learning locally in the Peak District National Park. Allan Shaw said: “Being at the forefront of developments in the outdoor sector is vital for both Buxton & Leek College and the University of Derby of which we form part. Meetings like this are vital in helping us to develop critical links and networks.
“We are hoping to repeat the conference to discuss the new IOL professional standards and the Trailblazer Apprentices both of which will be going live next year.”
The Outdoor Education department, based at Buxton Campus, has got off to a great start this term after attracting several talented athletes including Jack Ramsden who is currently ranked the 5th best boulder in the world. Jack returned from the European championships with a gold medal and has set his sights on Tokyo for the next Olympics. Fellow Year 1 student Ryan Matchett is in the men’s division 2 kayak slalom. His sister, Hannah, who followed the same course last year, has been promoted to the premiership of the sport.
The College’s Year 2 students include Eva Henderson Hurst, part of the GB Archery team who bagged a bronze medal at the European Championships and Hayden Hanby who is in the men’s premiership in kayak slalom.
Allan Shaw said: “We focus on providing the highest quality outdoor learning and these talented athletes are a great inspiration to their peers.”