A VIKING RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE AT THE ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

Combining Fundamental Learning with the Reality of Generating

Income

Who Are We?

• Part of Dorset County Council Outdoor Education Service.

• Over 30 years providing outstanding “hands on“ education to school aged children.

• We are a seasonal Centre – specialising in the harvesting and use of local materials.

• Small core of dedicated staff.

• Volunteer support.

The Financial Imperative.

• A Global Financial Crisis.• Non-statutory Service.• 6 years of cuts resulting

in a zero subsidy.• 3 year targets to

achieve a 20% “buffer” against future challenges.

• How do we meet these Challenges?

• Temptation is to shrink!• Curtail non essential

work?• Cut loose those things

that require effort?

A Solution?

• Focus on quality.• Focus on the

uniqueness of the ATC.

• Recognise our educational strengths – and build on them.

• Broadcast our quality and educational ethos to schools.

• To generate more income by playing to our strengths.

Where is Education At?• Over emphasis on

academic achievement.

• The over- use of screens and increasing segregation from the world around us.

• Rapidly changing lifestyles.

• The perceived “Straight Jacket” of Health and Safety?

• A sad truth.

Fundamental Learning• What is it?• “Where do things come

from?”• “How can we use

them?”• Activities must be

“Purposeful”, include “Processes” and therefore be “Real”.

• This approach contributes to a genuine understanding of the world , now or in the past.

• Small non - statutory educational establishments hold the key.

Health and SafetyBoooooooooo!?• ATC is sometimes seen

by the public as ignoring H+S or “ducking under” it.

• The Myth of Health and Safety.

• The byword for “don’t want to do that” or “can’t be bothered”.

• Our approach to Health and Safety. “How can we” replaces “we can’t”.

• Children take responsibility for their actions.

• Excellent systems, staff and teaching are required.

The Project Concept

Experimental Construction

Local Resources

Sponsorship

Volunteer Recruitment

Disengaged Students

A Residential Experience

ancienttechnologycentre.co.uk