BRUNEL’S ss Great Britain is the first museum in the south west to receive the Quality Badge for learning outside the classroom providers.
The government initiative was launched by Children’s Minister Ed Balls to cut red tape in education and to encourage teachers to take their pupils on inspiring visits out of school.
Under the scheme schools are guaranteed a high quality learning experience as well as the assurance that the necessary risk management processes are in place.
Brunel’s ss Great Britain received the badge following its involvement in the development of the Quality Badge scheme.
The Quality Badge scheme is part of the Government’s £4.5m ‘Out and About’ package which provides guidance and information for teachers on how to plan and organise high quality activities which enhance teaching in subject areas.
At the initiative’s launch Children’s Minister Ed Balls MP said he wanted to see as many children as possible take part in learning outside the classroom as part of their school lives and called on teachers to use the scheme.
Under the scheme, organisations will display the badge as a signal to schools that their venue has met the required standard, so teachers do not need to carry out their own risk or quality assessments.
The ss Great Britain Trust’s Education Officer Helen Horler commented: “Museum visits are among the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life, and we are delighted to be the first museum in the south west to receive the quality badge. We know from the many fabulous letters of thanks we receive from schoolchildren that visiting Brunel’s ss Great Britain is a wonderful and inspiring way to bring subjects to life.”
Brunel’s ss Great Britain welcomes 17,000 schoolchildren per year.
Katrina Rexworthy, Class Teacher of St. Bernard's Primary School, Shirehampton in Bristol, said: “The ss Great Britain is a fabulous exhibit for children to visit. My children have enjoyed discovering a piece of Victorian history and the experience has enhanced their learning.
“The education team were helpful when I was planning the visit and were flexible to meet my needs. I would highly recommend schools visit this venue.”
The Children’s Minister Ed Balls MP commented: “Quality Badges offer teachers a guarantee that not only is a venue providing the sort of educational value that they can build on in class long after the visit but they also have the appropriate risk management structures in place.
“I am pleased that the Quality Badge scheme has been welcomed by a wide range of organisations, including local authorities and teacher unions.
“Tens of thousands of children take part in learning outside the classroom every day. I am determined that no child should miss out on these vital experiences because of unnecessary red tape or because of a cotton wool culture that discourages all kinds of risk. I want to see teachers using Quality Badges as practical decision-making tool. It should ensure that many more young people have memorable, exciting and valuable learning outside the classroom experiences.”
The ss Great Britain Trust also holds the Sandford Award, presented by the Heritage Education Trust. The Award is a benchmark for high quality heritage education recognising quality and excellence in educational services.
- The Quality Badge was developed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Badges are awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. For more information about the Quality Badge scheme, visit www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk.
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