News and Media: Launch of the Quality Badge Programme

05 November 2008

Learning outside the Classroom is becoming an integral part of the Schools Curriculum and whether it is a lesson outside in your school grounds or a residential visit to a Learning outside the Classroom provider, young people benefit from the hands-on experiences and challenges involved.

In October the planned Learning outside the Classroom Quality Badge Programme was launched and the first badges will be issued in January 2009. This initiative will ensure that every learning outside the classroom experience with a badged provider is of the highest quality and realises the learning outcomes and enrichment opportunities your group require, all within a safely managed environment.

The PGL centres Winmarleigh Hall and Caythorpe Court were used as pilots for the scheme and contributed towards the development of the Quality Badge programme in conjunction with the British Activity Holiday Association.

The experiences gained on a school trip go far beyond the academic - including raising self confidence, self esteem and motivation. A residential trip motivates and inspires young people and contributes towards helping your school attain the Every Child Matters outcomes. PGL courses have been designed to reinforce and specifically support the five ECM stated aims.

Through the Quality Badge programme you can be confident that recognised providers fulfil all the necessary criteria as laid down by the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families), thereby better enabling you to manage visits safely, efficiently and beneficially. The new Quality Badge Programme will help schools identify organisations and venues, offering high quality teaching and learning experiences that manage risk effectively.

News

Motivate the girls at PGL!
New dates & prices for our Dance, Netball and Cheerleading weekends for girls - improving confidence, skills and team spirit.

Centre Improvements for 2010
We've continued to invest in our centres to improve your experience with us each year!

St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year
St John Ambulance cadets compete for National Cadet of the Year title.

PGL Sponsors YST Award 2010
Congratulations to Failsworth School for winning an award at the 2010 Innovation & Recognition Awards.

Cooking Up a Storm!
PGL's chefs met up, prepared and tested the new season menus.

Great Value Activity Weekends for Groups
Great value activity weekends for Uniformed Groups - save on brochure prices!

Minister for Schools and Learning visits PGL
Vernon Coaker visited PGL's Head Office in Ross-on-Wye to discuss the Learning Outside the Classroom initiative.

PGL Sponsored Athletes for 2010
We'll be keeping you posted on the progress of our sponsored athletes for 2010.

Christmas Winner!
Christmas card competition winner announced.

New - Dance Weekends for Boys!
New mixed dance workshop weekends for girls and boys.

PGL Star Leaders
The PGL ‘Star Leaders’ awards have just been revamped and re-launched!

Learning Outside the Classroom
Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badges Awarded to our Adventure Centres!

The Big Brownie Takeover
Girls take over PGL Boreatton Park in celebrations 100 years in the making!

Reclaiming VAT Update
Clarification on reclaimable VAT on UK school trips.

Beachwatch Weekend
PGL staff joined the Marine Conservation Society's Beachwatch Weekend at Osmington Bay beach in Dorset.

New PGL Centres for 2010
Presenting Liddington in Wiltshire, Winmarleigh Hall in Lancashire, Windmill Hill in Sussex, Lou Valagran in the Ardèche and Albatros on the Atlantic Coast!

Charity Dragon Boat Racing in Ross
PGL sponsors the Dragon boat racing for Mayor's charity at Rowing Club on 29th August

Josh Wedgwood Sponsorship
Update on the progress of PGL sponsored athlete Josh Wedgwood - look out for his interview with Canoe & Kayak!

Film Sponsorship!
PGL have recently sponsored pupils from a local school in a film project for their work experience.

PGL Statement regarding A/H1N1v
A statement from PGL regarding A/H1N1v (Swine flu)

LotC Schools Photo Competition
Win a camera in this schools photo competition organised by the NAHT and Outdoor Education Centres.

Steffan Griffiths Sponsorship
PGL's newest sponsorship - semi-professional rugby player Steffan Griffiths. 

PGL Liddington - opening in 2010!
PGL Liddington - new centre opening in May 2010

Our Summer Camps Reviewed!
PGL Summer Camps were recently reviewed in the Times - see what they had to say!

Helen Barnes selected for European Championships
PGL sponsored athlete Helen Barnes has been selected for the European Championships.

LOtC Quality Badge Scheme
PGL Ski have been awarded the Quality Badge by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Going to the World Championships!
PGL sponsored athlete Lowri Davies has made it to the 2009 GB Freestyle Kayaking Team!

PGL Centre investments
We've had a very busy Winter with our centre improvements programme!

Sports Colleges Innovation and Recognition Awards 2009
Park High Sports College wins the PGL award for engaging families, parents and carers.

Good Snow & Great Fun!
A big thank you to the fantastic teachers who attended our Christmas and New Year Ski Previews!

Launch of the Quality Badge Programme
The Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge Programme gives confidence to schools in choosing a school trip provider.

Ready, Steady, Win - Sporting Bursaries
PGL were delighted once again to sponsor the Herefordshire ‘Ready Steady Win’ bursaries.

Curriculum Changes and Your PGL Educational Trip
What effect do the changes to the National Curriculum have on the content of PGL study courses?

National School Sports Week
Dame Kelly Holmes and 'Spartan' from Gladiators meet the PGL chicken at the Grantham School Sports Week events!

Sport Tournament Dates for 2009
Following the success of our Secondary School Football and Netball Tournaments, here are the dates for our 2009 tournament schedule.

PGL Sponsorship of Helen Barnes
One of our sponsored canoeists has been selected for the Irish Olympic team for Beijing 2008!

RFU announce PGL Club of the Year
Paviors RFC have been named PGL Club of the Year in the Rugby Football Union's Seal of Approval awards.

Dance Workshop Weekends - New Dates
PGL teams up with FitPro™ to offer Dance Workshop Weekends to schools and groups for girls in years 7 - 11.

Kelly Holmes & Norwich Union GirlsActive at PGL
Dame Kelly Holmes is back at PGL with Norwich Union GirlsActive - inspiring girls to get active and enjoy exercise!

Congratulations to the Scouts on their 100th Anniversary!
PGL were at the Scout Jamboree - thanks to all the Scouts who made us feel so welcome!

PGL purchased by Holidaybreak PLC
We are delighted to announce that Holidaybreak PLC have now purchased The PGL Group.

Living History - Themed Tours for KS2
Themed History Tours for Key Stage 2 pupils.

Youth Sports Trust Innovation Awards
PGL @ The Youth Sport Trust Innovation Awards ceremony for Sports Colleges across the country.

Kelly Holmes supports the School Sports Initiative
Kelly Holmes revives girl power for the School Sports Initiative 

Sponsorship for Olympic hopeful
PGL have agreed a three year sponsorship for aspiring Champion Canoeist Andrew Hadfield.

Teacher Preview Dates for 2010
Come and see your preferred centre, course or destination in action and try out the adventure activities for yourself!