Growing confidence: the power of outdoor learning in alternative provision

At ASDAN, we believe all learners should have opportunities to recognise their strengths, develop practical skills and experience success. For learners in alternative provision, a flexible approach that connects learning to real-life experiences can be particularly valuable. 

At Birds and Bees Alternative Provision, the ASDAN Gardening Short Course is helping learners develop transferable skills, build confidence and recognise their achievements through hands-on outdoor learning. 

ASDAN provides a structured framework that can be adapted to individual learners, while giving them a meaningful way to evidence their progress and work towards recognised certification. 

Learning through doing 

Birds and Bees Alternative Provision was established by husband-and-wife team Graham and Jayne Gerrard. Graham, a former teacher with 34 years of experience, wanted to create opportunities for young people to learn through growing vegetables, caring for animals and connecting with nature. 

Together, they have created a supportive environment where learners can develop skills through practical, purposeful activities. 

The first cohort included six learners from Years 7 to 10, attending weekly sessions alongside a teaching assistant from their school. Each Wednesday, learners work through activities from the ASDAN Gardening Short Course before applying their learning through real-life projects. 

Learners have created ‘No Dig’ allotment beds, planted seeds and grown a range of fruit and vegetables. They've built pea supports, harvested produce, made scarecrows, pickled radishes and enjoyed seeing their hand-built bird boxes become homes for nesting birds. 

Alongside gardening, learners have developed practical skills through caring for chickens, managing equipment and building outdoor fires. They’ve also experienced the full life cycle of raising chicks, from watching eggs hatch to helping care for the birds as they grow. 

Creating opportunities to succeed 

For some learners, traditional classroom-based learning can present challenges. Graham explained that several learners at Birds and Bees have low literacy levels, making practical learning particularly valuable. 

The ASDAN Gardening Short Course gives learners opportunities to demonstrate their skills and knowledge through practical activities and different forms of evidence, rather than relying solely on written work. 

This flexible approach enables learners to work towards their own achievements while developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and taking responsibility.  

The impact on confidence has been significant. When learners first joined the programme, some found the unfamiliar environment challenging. Over time, they became more settled, developed stronger relationships and grew into a supportive and encouraging team. 

One learner, who finds written work particularly difficult, has flourished through practical responsibilities such as building outdoor fires and managing equipment. Another has developed a particular interest in caring for the chickens and looks forward to feeding them each week. These experiences help learners recognise their strengths. 

Evidencing progress through Equitas 

For Birds and Bees, the value of ASDAN is not just in what learners do, but in how their learning and progress can be recognised. 

The ASDAN Gardening Short Course can now be delivered through Equitas, making it easy for practitioners to capture evidence, monitor progress and maintain a clear record of learners’ achievements. 

Evidence from practical activities, including photographs and completed work, can be recorded as learners progress through the course. This provides a flexible way to demonstrate achievement while helping practitioners track development over time. 

For alternative provision settings, this can provide a valuable link between practical experiences and structured learning outcomes, ensuring that progress is visible and meaningful for both learners and staff. 

ASDAN Short Courses can also be delivered alongside work placements, traineeships or apprenticeships, helping learners develop and evidence practical skills alongside their wider experience. 

Recognising achievement 

For Graham, ASDAN was a natural fit for the approach at Birds and Bees. 

The practical structure of the Gardening Short Course reflects the centre’s ethos, while its flexibility enables learners to demonstrate their achievements in ways that suit their individual strengths. 

ASDAN certification also gives learners something tangible to work towards and celebrate. It recognises the skills, commitment and progress they have demonstrated throughout their learning journey. 

Helping learners unlock their potential 

Attendance throughout the first cohort has been excellent, with several learners achieving 100% attendance. Positive feedback from learners and parents has reinforced the value of the programme, and Birds and Bees is already planning to expand its offer to more schools next year. 

Reflecting on the first year, Graham says he is most proud of the confidence, teamwork and enthusiasm learners have developed. 

By combining practical outdoor experiences with ASDAN’s flexible, skills-based approach, Birds and Bees is helping learners discover new strengths, develop valuable skills and recognise their achievements, creating positive learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. 

Learn more about ASDAN’s Gardening Short Course or get in touch to speak to one of our curriculum experts.