When you bring your pupils on a school residential, you’re already giving them a hugely rich experience. But what if your pupils could return home with a recognised outdoor learning award too?

At all three of our centres, we offer the opportunity to include the National Outdoor Learning Award (NOLA) as part of our primary school residentials.

What is NOLA?

The National Outdoor Learning Award, accredited by the Institute of Outdoor Learning, celebrates and records what pupils learn through outdoor experiences. The award is designed to encourage reflection and recognise personal development and is suitable for children of all ages and abilities.

NOLA is based around three key areas: Safety, Respect and Learning and looks at each of these areas from the perspective of self, others and environment. There are 18 specific skills within the NOLA award: six for each of the three key areas. These help guide and focus pupils’ reflections, with prompts such as:

• “I learnt to lead”

• “I followed instructions”

• “I was prepared”

• “I used the environment safely”

• “I said what my friends are good at”

• “I helped with kind words”

These simple, meaningful prompts help children identify their growth, celebrate each other’s strengths, and build awareness of their actions and impact throughout the residential. Pupils reflect on what they have learned and record their reflections, creating a lasting reminder of their residential experience and they also receive a certificate to take home with them.

“NOLA is a brilliant tool for helping pupils reflect on their residential and understand the ‘why’ behind the activities they’re doing. It’s easy for pupils to understand and accessible for groups at all ages and stages in the curriculum. I’ve had lots of conversations with teachers who have been really impressed with NOLA and pleased with how their pupils have engaged with it.”

– Ross, Instructor at Gowanbank

How it works on a residential

At our centres, NOLA is integrated into your school’s stay through the activities pupils take part in whilst they are with us. Our outdoor activities lend themselves naturally to personal development, teamwork and environmental awareness, covering the key areas of NOLA.

We make time throughout the residential for reflection, helping children to pause and consider what they have discovered about themselves, others and the environment.

The NOLA award complements the aims of the Curriculum for Excellence, particularly in areas of personal development, health and wellbeing, and outdoor learning. It encourages pupils to reflect on their experiences in a structured and meaningful way.

It’s also a simple way for teachers and schools to:

• Evidence learning beyond the classroom
• Support wellbeing and social skills
• Promote environmental responsibility
• Send pupils home with something lasting

For teachers, NOLA offers a meaningful way to evidence learning outside the classroom, without adding to your workload. It supports key areas of the Curriculum for Excellence and helps pupils develop skills in leadership, empathy, and resilience. Many schools find it a helpful addition when reporting on wider achievement or supporting pupils’ wellbeing and personal development.

Best of all, there’s no additional cost and no extra admin for teachers – just more value for your trip.

Ready to bring outdoor learning to life?

To find out more about booking a residential at one of our centres and including the NOLA award, enquire here.