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Outdoor & Experiential Education
Through an approach to education that invites, encourages, and ultimately requires students to take initiative, the young people in our care learn to find their voice and develop a sense of agency-to feel that they can control their own lives and positively affect change for others. At UWC Thailand, we strive to help our students develop into balanced, open-minded, principled, and caring thinkers. In isolation; however, without the courage to act on what we feel, think or believe-these attributes are not enough. Making the world a more united or sustainable place requires courageous action.
Through Outdoor and Experiential Education, the rigour of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, by living away from home in boarding, or learning to make friends with different people from all over the world; our students have opportunities to develop their bravery, their resilience, and their courage in a variety of ways, each and every day. The future needs people who have the courage to act when something needs to be done. When we consistently teach and expect this from today’s youth, we can see its impact. Together, we believe we can make our planet more equal, more just, and more peaceful.
Watch the video below to see our Outdoor Education programme in action.
Defining Terms
Outdoor Education (OE)
There are many definitions of outdoor education, however the most comprehensive and succinct could be seen as: “Outdoor Education is education ‘in’, ‘about’, and ‘for’ the out-of-doors.
Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)
Education outside the classroom is curriculum-based teaching and learning activities that go beyond the walls of the classroom. It includes any curriculum-based subject that takes place outside the school ranging from museum & theatre visits to a sports outing or service trips.
Outdoor Education classes also fall within the definition of EOTC.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired both in and beyond a traditional academic setting, and include:
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case-based learning
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problem-based learning
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project-based learning
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inquiry-based learning
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cooperative (work- or community-based) learning
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community engagement projects
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field trips
Both OE and EOTC programs can be defined as Experiential Learning.
Our Outdoor & Experiential Education Programmes
Environmental Programmes
The school also offers a number of environmental programs, many of which are student-led, facilitated by an amazing team of staff who help initiate a number of fantastic experiences for the student body. These programs will continue to have a lasting impact not only on the students but also on the local environment as well.
Marine Animal and Nature Trust Association (M.A.N.T.A.) is the school’s primary environmental group which focuses on two main projects: coral research and mangrove planting. The Coral Team provides students with training to gain a PADI certification as open water divers in order to learn the necessary skills to safely conduct research on the seafloor. Whilst the Mangrove team nurture seed pods on campus and successfully plant 1000’s of mangrove saplings every year.