Oriel High School was delighted to receive news that we had been judged as a ‘Gold’ standard school in the provision of ‘Learning outside the Classroom’ opportunities for our students. Very few mainstream secondary schools nationally hold this level of award from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. Oriel has always prided itself on offering interesting and new opportunities for students to learn from trips, visits, and other enrichment activities. Post pandemic the school looked to further embed these activities alongside classroom activities and celebrate the impact they have on the behaviour and attitudes of students. This award is testament to that focus and work by staff. Dr Anne Hunt, Chief Executive of the Council for LOtC said: “Learning outside the classroom is well evidenced to deliver multiple co-benefits to learning, health & wellbeing, skills, and socio-emotional outcomes, as well as building much needed connections between schools and their communities near and far. It can help break down barriers and address inequalities. It also provides some of the most memorable experiences in our school life. “Achieving the LOtC Mark reflects Oriel High Schools commitment to ‘extending the boundaries’ and providing opportunities for every young person to succeed by embedding a full range of learning outside the classroom experiences into each school’s unique approach. I congratulate all the schools on achieving the award, and I look forward to hearing how they continue to benefit from taking their teaching and learning above and beyond.”