The Level 5 Outdoor Coordinators Course is designed for experienced educators who aspire to become leaders in outdoor education. Building on the foundational and advanced levels (1-4), this course empowers participants to lead and coordinate outdoor learning programs across schools, nurseries, and organisations, aligning with the Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) approach.
This certification equips you with the tools to develop outdoor learning policies, train staff, and implement school-wide outdoor education strategies that foster resilience, creativity, and sustainability.
Course Costs
- £650.00 one-off payment. Enrol here.
- Schools can pay by invoice.
- UK schools can use sports and pupil premium.
Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Course Goals
- Develop and manage a comprehensive outdoor education program.
- Train and mentor staff in the MPT approach.
- Align outdoor learning with curriculum and institutional goals.
- Foster a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
- Monitor, evaluate, and improve outdoor education practices.
Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Course Timeline
- 10 hours of learning: Flexible, self-paced format.
- 1-year access to course materials and resources.
Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Course Modules
Module 1: The Role of an Outdoor Coordinator
- Learning Objectives:
- Define the responsibilities and scope of an outdoor coordinator.
- Understand the impact of leadership on outdoor education success.
- Key Topics:
- Leadership in outdoor learning.
- Building a vision for school-wide outdoor education.
- Advocacy and securing support from stakeholders.
- Practical Task:
- Create a vision statement for your outdoor education program.
- Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Module 2: Designing a Comprehensive Outdoor Curriculum
- Learning Objectives:
- Create a whole-school outdoor learning framework.
- Integrate outdoor learning into existing curricula.
- Key Topics:
- Curriculum mapping for outdoor education.
- Multi-disciplinary outdoor lessons (STEAM focus).
- Seasonal and site-specific activity planning.
- Practical Task:
- Develop a curriculum map linking outdoor activities to core subjects.
- Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Module 3: Training and Mentoring Staff
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to train colleagues using the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach.
- Develop strategies for staff mentoring and skill-building.
- Key Topics:
- Delivering staff workshops and training sessions.
- Coaching techniques for outdoor education.
- Supporting staff with diverse abilities and experience.
- Practical Task:
- Plan and outline a staff training session using the MPT approach.
- Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Module 4: Sustainability and Environmental Leadership
- Learning Objectives:
- Lead sustainability-focused initiatives within your institution.
- Foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
- Key Topics:
- Eco-friendly policies for outdoor education.
- Organizing school-wide sustainability projects (e.g., tree planting, waste reduction).
- Engaging students and the community in conservation efforts.
- Practical Task:
- Design an eco-project proposal for your school or organisation.
- Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Module 5: Risk Management and Safety Leadership
- Learning Objectives:
- Oversee safety and risk management in outdoor learning environments.
- Train staff in assessing and managing outdoor risks.
- Key Topics:
- Writing comprehensive risk assessments.
- Managing safety for diverse terrains and weather conditions.
- Emergency planning and first-aid coordination.
- Practical Task:
- Develop a site-specific risk management plan.
- Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Module 6: Evaluating and Improving Outdoor Education
- Learning Objectives:
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of outdoor learning programs.
- Use feedback to improve practices continuously.
- Key Topics:
- Tools for measuring success in outdoor education.
- Student, staff, and parent feedback strategies.
- Creating reports and improvement plans.
- Practical Task:
- Draft an evaluation framework for outdoor learning initiatives.
- Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Course Resources
- Comprehensive outdoor education planning templates.
- Risk management and safety guidelines.
- Sustainability project starter kits.
- Workshop and training session materials.
- Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Conclusion
Participants who complete the Level 5 Outdoor Coordinators Course will:
- Earn the Level 5 Outdoor Coordinator Certification.
- Gain the skills and confidence to lead outdoor education at an institutional level.
- Receive access to advanced Muddy Puddle Teacher resources.
- Join a network of like-minded outdoor education leaders.
- Start Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award
Take the next step in your outdoor education journey! Enrol now and become a trailblazer in transforming education through the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach. Together, let’s build a future where every child thrives in nature.
Why the Level 5 Outdoor Coordinator Course is a Game-Changer for Education
As outdoor learning continues to gain recognition as a powerful teaching tool, the role of a Level 5 Outdoor Coordinator becomes increasingly crucial. This advanced certification, aligned with the Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) approach, is not just a career milestone—it’s a transformative opportunity for schools, communities, and, most importantly, children.
Let’s explore the immense impact of this leadership role and why every institution should prioritize having a qualified Outdoor Coordinator.
1. Elevating Outdoor Education Standards
The Level 5 Outdoor Coordinator Course empowers educators to design and oversee school-wide outdoor education programs. This certification ensures consistency and quality across activities, making outdoor learning an integral part of the curriculum (Outdoor Classroom Day).
Coordinators bring structure and vision, ensuring that all students, regardless of age or ability, benefit from meaningful outdoor experiences.
2. Encouraging Whole-School Collaboration
Outdoor Coordinators are pivotal in fostering teamwork among staff, students, and the community. They lead training sessions, mentor colleagues, and build a culture of collaboration that enhances the school’s overall environment (Learning Through Landscapes).
Coordinators ensure that every teacher feels confident delivering outdoor lessons by guiding staff in the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach.
3. Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Environmental responsibility starts with education. Outdoor Coordinators lead sustainability projects like tree planting, waste reduction, and eco-friendly policies, embedding these practices into the school’s ethos (WWF UK Education Resources).
Their leadership inspires students to care for the planet and equips them with the knowledge to tackle future environmental challenges.
4. Transforming Curriculum Delivery
The Level 5 Outdoor Coordinator Course equips educators with the skills to integrate outdoor learning seamlessly into the curriculum. From hands-on math lessons to natural science experiments, these leaders enhance traditional teaching methods (Gov.uk Education Guidance).
Coordinators ensure outdoor learning isn’t a one-off event but a consistent, impactful part of education.
5. Building Emotional Resilience in Students
Time spent outdoors has proven benefits for mental health and emotional well-being. By implementing school-wide mindfulness practices and reflection activities, Outdoor Coordinators foster resilience and emotional intelligence in students (Children and Nature Network).
The MPT approach emphasizes sensory walks and nature journaling, helping students manage stress and build self-awareness.
6. Enhancing Physical Health
Outdoor Coordinators design programs that promote physical activity while learning. From scavenger hunts to eco-friendly team sports, these activities combat sedentary lifestyles and encourage healthy habits (World Health Organization).
Coordinators lead initiatives that keep children moving and engaged, directly contributing to their physical development.
7. Developing Lifelong Skills in Students
Outdoor learning teaches practical, transferable problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. By overseeing risk management and safety practices, coordinators also empower students to assess risks and make informed decisions (Forest School Association).
Through nature-based activities, students gain skills they’ll use throughout their lives.
8. Inspiring Creativity and Curiosity
One of the standout benefits of outdoor learning is its ability to spark creativity. Coordinators guide teachers in designing multi-sensory, imaginative activities that inspire curiosity and critical thinking (Creative STAR Learning).
Whether it’s storytelling under a tree or eco-art projects, students learn to see the world through a creative lens.
9. Leading Change Beyond the Classroom
Level 5 Outdoor Coordinators transform schools and influence communities. Organising events like conservation projects and nature walks connect students, parents, and local organizations, creating a ripple effect of positive change (National Trust).
Their leadership inspires a shared commitment to environmental and educational excellence.
10. Strengthening School Identity
A strong outdoor education program led by a certified coordinator can set a school apart, enhancing its reputation and appeal to prospective families. It signals a commitment to innovative, child-centred learning approaches (Edutopia).
Outdoor Coordinators create a lasting legacy, positioning their schools as leaders in progressive education.
Why Choose the Level 5 Outdoor Coordinator Course?
The Level 5 Outdoor Coordinator Course isn’t just about teaching—it’s about leading. This certification equips you with the tools to:
- Develop a comprehensive outdoor education framework.
- Mentor colleagues in the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach.
- Embed sustainability and resilience-building into your institution.
By enrolling, you’re advancing your career, shaping the future of education, and profoundly impacting children’s lives. Ready to leap? Visit the Muddy Puddle Teacher website and start your journey to becoming an Outdoor Coordinator today.
