Promotion Of Science And Geography Fieldwork By The Field Studies Council

EDM number 2109 in 2005-06, proposed by Ian Gibson on 08/05/2006.

That this House congratulates the Field Studies Council for its ongoing campaign and commitment to promoting the importance of science and geography fieldwork; believes that fieldwork continues to be given a low priority in school, denying children the invaluable educational experience that out-of-classroom activity can bring; notes the significant benefits fieldwork has for academic achievement, self-confidence and improved attitude to education; further notes the contribution fieldwork makes to sustainable development goals through greater understanding of the environment; applauds the Government's steps so far to encourage fieldwork, such as the Department for Education and Skills Manifesto for Education Outside the Classroom; and urges the Government to continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the Field Studies Council and others such as the Real World Learning partners involved in this very important campaign to ensure that fieldwork is a requirement of the science and geography curriculum and to ensure that teachers through both initial teacher training and continued professional development are competent and confident to provide this important investigative aspect of education.

This motion has been signed by a total of 81 MPs.