Education

" Outdoor learning experiences are often remembered for a lifetime."

Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning

Scottish canals offer a wealth of learning opportunities for all. We're delighted to be able to offer a wide range of tailored, canal specific resources in addition to broader educational aids for learning about the waterways.

Primary schools

The canals are a perfect topic choice for a class or whole school project, helping students make connections between different areas of learning through interdisciplinary study.  Resources are linked to the Curriculum for Excellence learning outcomes and experiences, making it easy to link particular aspects of the canals into broader topics.

 

Secondary schools and further education

The canals also provide an opportunity for students to get involved with targeted canal based projects designed to develop skills that will help them academically, whilst providing some valuable research for the canals.  Projects are based on cultural or natural heritage topics, and are run by Scottish Waterways Trust.

Why not use the canals as your classroom?

  • Discover where the Union Canal joins the Forth & Clyde Canal, and enjoy an educational day out at the Falkirk Wheel.  Take part in a workshop, then explore the iconic structure by boat.
  • The Forth & Clyde Canal offers the Maryhill Canal Classroom resource pack - the Glasgow Storytellers and artists involved in canal projects have contributed to this  resource, which is bursting with ideas and activities for in-school and out on the towpath.
  • The Caledonian Canal offers The Great Caledonian Canal Brainstorm loan resource boxes, canalside and in-school workshops, as well as an exciting new Adopt a Lock project for local schools.
  • Improve awareness of water safety through specific workshops and interdisciplinary learning on the canalside.

The canals offer the opportunity for outdoor learning in a safe and accessible environment.  We can help with planning a trip to the canals, ensuring a safe and successful visit.

 

  • Education Resources on the Caledonian Canal

    The Caledonian Canal is working hard to develop education resources on offer to local primary schools.

  • Primary schools and Caledonian Canal Heritage

    Scottish Waterways Trust Caledonian Canal heritage officer is available to support any school that is interested in developing projects that involve the heritage of the Caledonian Canal. Canal side visits can be arranged and learning resources shared.

  • Learning for Life on the Caledonian Canal

    There are opportunities for anybody getting involved to undertake navigation training, wildlife ID and group management in the outdoors and also some research and interpretive writing skills. The project really wants to support existing groups to keep on enjoying the area and offer some fresh routes for both locals and visitors.

  • Education Resources at the Falkirk Wheel

    The Falkirk Wheel offers a high quality, tailored education programme for a fantastic educational day out.

  • Education Resources on the Forth & Clyde Canal

    The Forth and Clyde Canal offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, both in school and in the outdoor classroom – the canal itself

  • Education Resources on the Union Canal

    The Union Canal, running from Edinburgh City Centre to The Falkirk Wheel, offers schools and groups a chance to discover Scotland's only 'contour' canal.

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