For boards of trustees and principals
Welcome to the Learning Experiences Outside The Classroom (LEOTC) page for boards of trustees and principals.
The value of LEOTC visits
LEOTC programmes provide students with access to exhibits tools, objects, artefacts, expertise, and ‘hands-on’ experiences that are not available in the immediate school environment.
The programmes are run independently of schools but they complement and enrich classroom programmes.
Providers and schools work in partnership to ensure that programmes meet the learning needs of the students, and are implemented as part of the school curriculum.
Research shows that when places other than school are valued as learning spaces, learning happens within them.
It also shows that learning happens when students interact with different exhibits, tools, objects, and artefacts.
Research shows the quality of the partnership between the school and the site contributes to the success of a visit.
In particular, visits are most effective when teachers and education officers work together before, during, and after the visit to link the visit to the curriculum and prepare students for the visit. Teachers and education officers must have clear learning goals to focus on during the visit and provide relevant follow-up activities.
Teachers have particular responsibilities and must fulfil specific requirements to take students off the school grounds. Please read the Education Outside The Classroom page for information on the safety management process, legal obligations, and planning templates for a good programmes outside of the classroom.
How are providers selected?
The tender process is open and contestable. This ensures that only the highest quality programmes are selected.
In general, fewer than 60% of applicants receive an offer to negotiate for a contract.
The selection process is continually being refined. Each year, the selection panel makes valuable comments on the criteria and tender document (PDF, 297KB) to ensure that the Ministry of Education is getting the best services for the money spent.
How are providers monitored?
The Ministry of Education contracts a monitoring company to audit providers annually. This audit not only ensures that public money is used correctly but it also reviews the quality and educational value of the programmes.
Who are the LEOTC providers?
Please view this Interactive map to find your closest LEOTC provider.
How can I use LEOTC?
These Learning stories show some great examples of the effective use of LEOTC.
To submit your LEOTC learning stories, please use this template.