3.2 Learning Outcomes

Overview

Setting clear learning outcomes is an important part of planning any visit. Well-defined outcomes help ensure that visits are purposeful and that they contribute meaningfully to pupils’ learning and development.

Learning outcomes may link directly to a scheme of work or curriculum objectives, or they may support broader personal development through the experiences pupils gain during the visit.

Identifying outcomes early in the planning process helps Visit Leaders choose activities that support the intended learning and allows the impact of the visit to be reviewed afterwards.

Clarifying the Purpose of the Visit

When planning a visit, consider the main reasons for the experience.

If the visit is curriculum-based, explain how it enhances or extends classroom learning.If the visit supports the wider curriculum, identify the broader skills, knowledge or experiences you hope participants will gain.

Clear aims help ensure that visits are purposeful and educationally valuable. You may be asked to demonstrate how your visits link to the Enrichment Entitlement, EVOLVE allows you to select the Ofsted enrichment purposes as primary or secondary purposes in your planning.

Types of Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes may relate to a range of areas, including:

• Curriculum knowledge and understanding
• Personal and social development
• Wider curriculum enrichment
• Civil engagement
• Environmental awareness and connection with nature
• Physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing

Effective outcomes describe what learners are expected to know, understand or be able to do as a result of the visit.

Setting Effective Outcomes

When developing learning outcomes, you should consider the following:

Curriculum Links

Ensure outcomes connect clearly to relevant subject areas or curriculum themes.

Clear Purpose

Be specific about what you want learners to gain from the visit and why.

Range of Learning

Include personal, social and cultural learning alongside academic outcomes.

Practical Skills

Outdoor learning and sports can help develop skills such as physical literacy, teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving.

Learner Involvement

Where appropriate, involve young people in planning aspects of the visit so they understand the purpose and feel ownership of the experience.

Reviewing and Evaluating Learning

It is important to consider how learning will be evaluated after the visit. This might include:

• Staff observations
• Group discussions or reflections
• Learner feedback
• Written work, journals or presentations

Clear indicators of success can help measure the impact of the visit and demonstrate its value.

Student, parent/carer and staff voice are all important elements of evaluation.

Evaluation findings should also be used to inform and improve future educational visits, supporting ongoing development of learning outside the classroom.