This project set out to deliver several objectives which would deliver impacts across the strategic & operational aspects of Outdoor Education provision delivered throughout ETB FET nationally. In providing these development opportunities which were targeted at strategic & operational leaders within Outdoor Education, this project would not only develop individual capacity, but would also provide a high-level appraisal of Outdoor Education services in Ireland. The activities would therefore build upon critical knowledge & skills for participants, while also paving the way for improving provision nationally. Examples of specific objectives/focuses included improving governance & oversight practices, identifying strategic priorities by capturing lessons learnt from international best practice, improving existing operational management, & developing new guidelines & SOPs. In addition, the project sought to identify capital investment priorities, exploring developments in infrastructure, equipment, & services, with a view to informing priority areas nationally in Ireland as a means of modernising & future proofing Outdoor Education throughout ETB FET.
The overarching purpose of this project was to support the strategic & operational development of Outdoor Education provision delivered throughout ETB FET in Ireland. While Outdoor Education & Training provision has a long-standing track record of delivering high-quality outputs, several priority areas were identified by the sector in order to ensure that the provision continues to deliver in this regard. These priorities included strategic focuses such as identifying future needs, & the potential adaptions that outdoor education will experience as a result of external factors such as mega-trends & transitions in areas such green economies & digital transformation. The project was also designed to support development in areas such as teaching & learning strategies, learning from European partners who are leading the way within this field, while also identifying the necessary supports & resources required to deliver modern outdoor education programmes. The project also set out to provide development opportunities for centre managers & instructors in areas associated with day-to-day operations such as quality management with a view to informing the development of national quality standards for Outdoor Education provision in Ireland.