TAVISTOCK College has been shortlisted for a national award for its success in providing high quality, innovative and inspirational learning outside the classroom experiences.

The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Awards for Excellence and Innovation showcase the variety and depth of learning outside the classroom provision, and the positive impact it can have on children and young people.

LOtC is about offering memorable learning experiences that raise attainment, engage, motivate and stimulate a child's development both academically and socially, whether it is in the school grounds, on an educational visit to a museum, farm, gallery or activity centre abroad.

Tavistock College has been shortlisted for its determination to make learning outside the classroom an integral part of its curriculum.

Students take part in a variety of activities including preparations for the Ten Tors challenge over Dartmoor, tall ship expeditions and hiking and sailing opportunities on Roadford Lake.

Beth Gardner, chief executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom said: 'For the fourth year running, these awards recognise the commitment of schools to building varied LOtC activities into every school day.

'More and more schools are recognising the huge social, emotional and educational benefits of a well planned curriculum that incorporates frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom.

'We wish Tavistock College the very best luck in the next phase of judging.'

Principal Helen Salmon said: 'We are delighted that our efforts to provide creative and inspirational learning opportunities for our students have been recognised with this nomination.

'We work hard to ensure that learning outside the classroom is a common part of the school day and our students have thrived as a result.

'When our children are out and about they are motivated, engaged and enjoy learning.

'Fingers crossed we can now go that extra step and scoop the overall national award!'

Thirty schools will now battle it out for the top national award in a variety of categories including, Best LOtC provision for primary, secondary and special educational needs.

Winners will be revealed at the LOtC Awards ceremony on November 10.

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom was launched in April 2009 and is the leading voice on learning outside the classroom issues. The Council champions learning outside the classroom and encourages young people to get out and about because research shows that children learn best through real world experiences.