Learning Experiences Outside The Classroom
Learning Experiences Outside The Classroom (LEOTC) is a Ministry of Education curriculum support project. It contributes towards curriculum-linked programmes for school students run by a range of organisations, such as zoos, museums, historic parks, art galleries, performing arts centres, and science centres.
LEOTC programmes complement and enrich classroom learning. They are hands-on, interactive learning experiences for children and young people that are provided independently of the school. Providers and schools work in partnership to ensure that programmes meet the learning needs of the students and support effective teaching and learning.
All LEOTC services must meet the following core requirements:
- provide hands-on and interactive learning experiences that are memorable and promote the transfer of skills and understanding across learning areas
- provide relevant experiences within the learning areas and in the context of students’ everyday lives, with particular emphasis on te ao Māori and the context for Māori learners
- provide learning opportunities, within authentic contexts, that could not be made available in the immediate school environment
- provide specific rather than general experiences that complement school-based teaching activities
- ensure that there is pre- and post-visit information and interactive feedback between teachers and providers to support effective learning
- ensure good partnerships with schools and classroom teachers that will lead to successful outcomes for all students
- support teaching and learning for the diverse range of students' needs, including incorporating a range of cultural perspectives
- provide services aligned to current research on effective teaching
- support directions for learning set through The New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa
