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Schools and Colleges

The John Muir Award offers an ideal structure for contributing to the requirements of the Curriculum - it is appropriate for later stages of primary and secondary school pupils.

The John Muir Award can be used in a specific subject area such as geography, science, social studies, art, music, English, maths and IT, or across interdisciplinary / cross curricular activity. It can be embedded within strategies and interventions to raise attainment and meet wider areas of learning such as outdoor learning, personal and health education, sustainable development and citizenship.

The John Muir Award can give focus and structure to a residential course, field trip, or excursions to local areas. Alternative Curriculum groups find that the John Muir Award gives a framework for activity, a focus that’s achievable and challenging young people where they are at. 

As well as linking with formal education strands, the Award can be used more informally. It can be integrated into after-school clubs, extra-curricular activity such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Eco Schools, Forest Schools or school grounds projects.

The John Muir Award can be used on a one-off basis, or as a progressive scheme over a year or more.

Pupils can receive a Record Book to keep track of their involvement, and a nationally recognised award, acknowledged by a Certificate at the appropriate level. Experiences can be included in a student’s Record of Achievement and CV.

Curriculum for Excellence and the John Muir Award
How can the John Muir Award contribute to your Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland?
Read online version or download. 
The 'How can the John Muir Award be used across the curriculum?' pages are available as a separate download here.

John Muir Award and the Curriculum
How can the John Muir Award contribute to learning and teaching in schools based in England?
Read online version or download.
The 'How can the John Muir Award be used across the curriculum?' pages are available as a separate download here.

You can view a selection of John Muir Award Schools & Colleges Case Studies here.

Continuing Professional Development opportunities are available for education staff to introduce the relevant skills, knowledge and approaches for delivering the Award:

  • Click here for training opportunities
  • Click here for guidance on professional development for teachers in Scotland

The John Muir Award offers an excellent framework for learning out of doors. Our pupils have had the opportunity to develop many diverse skills and learned a lot about the natural environment within their own community.

The John Muir Award hits a spot that is often missing in education today - it is a fun way to learn.

Duncan Cameron, Lochaber Pupil Support Unit, Highland Council