How PGL is a part of the learner journey

The Curriculum for Excellence prioritises learners and the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to be able to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced digital world.

The programmes we offer support the learner journey and each of the four fundamental capacities, covering age ranges from primary through to secondary. Our activities are tailored to suit different abilities with additional flexibility in place for learners with additional support needs (ASN).

Outdoor adventure is a crucial part of the curriculum that allows children to grow in confidence, gain new skills and leave feeling more prepared for the future.

A group of teenagers and an adult sit and stand together on grass in front of a stone wall, posing for a group photo outdoors during one of their Curriculum for Excellence school trips.

An adult and a child wearing blue jackets and harnesses smile and interact outdoors near wooden poles and trees, likely at an adventure park or ropes course.

The 4 fundamental capacities

Child in blue shirt drawing with felt-tip pens at a desk, with another pupil working in the background in a classroom setting.

Successful learners

The ability to learn starts with a spark of curiosity, adventure is an opportunity for children to learn about themselves and the world around them.

Young person in a blue helmet and red life vest stands near water, with other people in similar kit in the background. It appears to be a group outdoor water activity.

Confident Individuals

At first glance a new activity can seem a little scary but self- believe skyrockets when confidence kicks in and children realise what they’re capable of.

A child with curly hair hugs a tree and smiles. Someone in a green jacket extends an object towards the child. The background is a forest setting.

Responsible Citizens

We care about the environment and looking after the beautiful surroundings around our centres, passing on our passion to guests is part of what we do.

A group of people wearing helmets and life jackets are white-water rafting, laughing as water splashes around them on a sunny day.

Effective Contributors

Completing activities as a team and cheering each other on helps to improve communication skills and is a key part of the PGL experience.

Learning outcomes brought to life

The benchmarks and learning outcomes that need to be achieved under the Curriculum for Excellence are many and varied, as they are designed to span the complete school journey for every pupil.

We understand the goals of the curriculum as they perfectly align with our purpose, to unlock potential in every young person. We are equipped to help you achieve the learning outcomes with a range of programmes that are tailored to specific age groups and provide skills for exactly where they are in their learner journey.

Swapping classroom learning for outdoor adventure creates an exciting experience that encourages teamwork, develops resilience and gives children skills for life.

Download guide CfE learning guide

A boy smiles whilst holding a green tarpaulin outdoors, with blurred trees in the background—capturing the fun and hands-on learning often experienced during Curriculum for Excellence school trips.

Children wearing helmets and life jackets hold paddles outdoors on a sunny day, preparing for an activity as part of inspiring Curriculum for Excellence school trips.

Activities and Educational Outcomes

Climbing

With every advance up the climbing wall, confidence and resilience reaches new heights.

Orienteering

Helping each other to navigate new surroundings improves problem-solving skills.

A group of people wearing red helmets, blue and red jackets, and life vests work together to move a large, blue cylindrical object in a wooded area.

Raft Building

Strong communication as well as everyone playing their part is the key to success.

Zip Wire

As pupils take a leap of faith and soar through the air, their confidence soars too.

Two people wearing harnesses on a ropes course; one helps the other climb a wooden beam in an outdoor, wooded setting.

Team Challenges

In challenges that encourage teamwork and collaboration, leadership instincts shine.

A person sits on the ground between tree trunks in a sunlit forest, looking up. They wear a dark jacket, red trousers, and black shoes.

Environmental Activities

Learning about the environment and ways to respect the world around you.

Three children in helmets and harnesses sit on a metal swing outdoors, smiling and raising their arms, with trees and a wooden fence in the background—a perfect moment capturing the spirit of Curriculum for Excellence school trips.

A child holds a magnifying glass to one eye and an empty clear container in the other hand, standing outdoors—an engaging moment that captures the spirit of Curriculum for Excellence school trips.

Adventure starts at primary school

When pupils reach P3 and P4 it’s the perfect time to introduce them to residential trips and our PIONEER! programme is designed specifically for first time adventurers. Being away from home for the first time becomes less daunting when you’re surrounded by friends, have a packed day of activities ahead and our experienced team is on hand for endless encouragement.

The range of programmes within our REACH framework are designed around specific age groups, so that pupils gain the skills they need to enter the next stage of their learner journey. With newfound independence and curiosity to try something new, pupils feel comfortable and confident to spend time away home, exploring new surroundings.

Explore primary residential trips

Build skills for the future at secondary school

Transitioning into secondary school comes with a feeling of greater responsibility for young people and a realisation that this is a key time to focus on reaching their academic potential. As well as pushing themselves academically to obtain required grades, outdoor adventure remains an important part of the curriculum and the learner journey.

Our Skills4Life programme helps secondary school students to gain vital skills for the future, with a focus on building a strong foundation for starting out in the world of work or further education. Developing strong leadership skills, improved communication and an understanding of self-management, puts students on a smoother path to their future goals.

Explore secondary residential trips

Three young men stand together indoors, smiling and talking. One wears a beanie, one holds a mobile, and a younger boy in a red shirt faces them—perhaps discussing their latest Curriculum for Excellence school trips. Other people are blurred in the background.

Three girls wearing red life jackets paddle a canoe on a calm river, with other canoes and green trees visible in the background—a perfect example of the adventurous spirit encouraged on Curriculum for Excellence school trips.

Evidence and Impact

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"The experience had a lasting impact on confidence, teamwork and resilience. Pupils returned with skills that transferred directly back into the classroom."

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"PGL provided an excellent outdoor learning experience that clearly supported our Curriculum for Excellence objectives."

Why Scottish Schools Choose PGL

Schools across Scotland choose us for their residential every year. From primary school pupils through to secondary school students, find out why we are their trusted provider in outdoor learning.