Category Archives: News

Access for All

Posted by on 15 Sep 2020

Housing Company Gives Donation for Inclusive Equipment

We are excited to share that during the ‘Lockdown’ period, back in April, we were the lucky winners of a ‘Persimmon Homes: Building Futures’ scheme. We received a whopping £1000 grant towards buying new inclusive equipment for the Centre. This will open up many more opportunities for children visiting us with additional needs, allowing them to take part in more activities when they arrive their group for a day or residential course.

Read the official Press Release below:

https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/outdoor-education-centre-receives-1000-housebuilder-grant/

Team member’s innovation recognised by LOtC

Posted by on 05 Dec 2018

Learning Outside the Classroom heroes honoured at national LOtC Awards 2018

Four leading practitioners in the world of learning outside the classroom (LOtC) have been recognised as ‘LOtC Heroes’ including Dan Riley, a programme leader here at White Hall Outdoor Education Centre. Dan was presented with the ‘LOtC Innovator Award’ sponsored by YHA and had this to say:

“Receiving the Award has had an immediate impact on STEM Adventure. It has raised its profile both within Derbyshire and Nationwide. Ultimately it will mean that more people will be able to experience STEM Adventure both at our Derbyshire Centres and further afield. We are excited to be engaged in a conversation with CLOtC about how they can facilitate sharing our vision with others.” 

The Awards for Outstanding Contribution to LOtC, honour individuals and teams of people who have made a significant impact on the lives of children and young people through their commitment and dedication to providing and/or championing exciting and inspiring learning outside the classroom opportunities. Taking learning beyond the classrooms walls – whether it is through forest schools, visits to museums, farms or activity centres or just using the school grounds or local parks – helps children to flourish and reach their potential. It makes learning relevant, breaks down barriers and builds confidence as well as engaging young people with their learning. 

Kim Somerville, Chief Executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom said:

“We believe that every child should be given the opportunity to experience life and lessons beyond the classroom walls as a regular part of growing up. It is clear that this year’s winners and nominees are making great strides forward to make this happen. We congratulate all the inspiring winners and shortlisted LOtC Heroes, who are helping to expand the horizons of young people.”

About the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom was launched in April 2009 and is the leading voice on learning outside the classroom issues. The Council champions learning outside the classroom and encourages young people to get out and about because research shows that children learn best through real world experiences. We want every child to have the opportunity to experience life and lessons beyond the classroom walls as a regular part of growing up.

Derbyshire students venture towards science careers

Posted by on 16 May 2018

Students from Derbyshire schools have been combining outdoor adventure with industry visits to discover how science can help them secure a future career.

A pupil from New Mills Secondary School investigates how energy transfers from fire to water

A pilot programme backed by local businesses and run at White Hall Centre has already given students from New Mills School and the council’s Virtual School a taste for a career in science.

The centre has put together a programme of science-based activities related to the Key Stage Three curriculum for 11-14 year-olds, combined with visits to see science in action in industry at Avanti Conveyors in Furness Vale and the Nestlé Waters plant just outside Buxton. The programme included bush-craft, climbing, mountain biking and canoeing.

The pilot programme is the first of its kind in the country and has been funded by Avanti Conveyors Ltd of Furness Vale and Costain, one of the UK’s leading civil engineering companies. It is also supported by Nestlé Waters and by physics charity The Ogden Trust.

Pupils from New Mills Secondary School on a factory tour of Avanti Conveyors Ltd

Andy Liles, Finance Director at Avanti Conveyors Ltd, said: “Anything we can do to try and stimulate an interest in these subjects can only be a good thing for us and the wider UK economy.” Helen Pollard, consultant for physics charity The Ogden Trust said: “The engagement of the students was obvious. They took advantage of tours in small groups, and opportunities to talk to staff who were keen to explain their work, and different career paths available.”

Scott Reid, Environment & Sustainability Officer at Nestlé Waters, said: “Nestlé Waters are committed to supporting our local community. We have a state-of-the-art factory here in Buxton, which is one of Europe’s most innovative and efficient bottling facilities. We were delighted to have taken part in the pilot scheme and hope that by visiting our factory and speaking to some of our employees the students were inspired to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.”

Tim Williams, head of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at New Mills Secondary School said: “The children really benefitted from being able to visualise and experience scientific principles in a fun and interesting way, and the industrial site visit gave it all context as to what can be done with science. The whole experience has really stuck with them.”

If your school or academy would like to take part in a similar programme of activities, please email white.hall@derbyshire.gov.uk or call 01298 23260.

We’re also interested in hearing from organisations that would be interested in sponsoring a future programme.  

Industry news: Brilliant Residentials video based on Learning Away findings

Posted by on 05 Dec 2016

At White Hall Centre, we closely follow research and reports released by Learning Away – who have a vision to support more children and young people to enjoy Brilliant Residentials.

The below short film highlights some recent overwhelming evidence from Learning Away, an action research programme involving over 60 primary, secondary and special schools, that trips with an overnight stay have a transformative impact on everyone involved.

Find out more about planning a Brilliant Residential online here.