About Us - Aberdeen Urban Studies Trust

The Trust was formed in 2011 to continue the work established by Aberdeen Environmental Education Centre which was closed due to financial cutbacks. We are governed by six trustees and aim to provide a support service to schools in their development and

progression of sustainable development education. The Trust also receives support from Aberdeen City Council.

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Through structured learning and teaching programmes we assist pupils in acquiring the knowledge, skills and attitudes to engender an understanding of the environment. The interpretation skills gained through first-hand investigations provide a great incentive for further classroom-based studies.

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Services provided to schools include:

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•          encouraging and promoting the use of the              environment for learning and teaching

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•          devising learning and teaching resources

            in support of the Curriculum for Excellence

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•          working in partnership with other agencies

            concerned with the advancement of

            knowledge and understanding about                      the environment

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•          CPD opportunities for teachers

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How do pupils benefit from an AUST activity?

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The ministerial forward in ‘Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning’ states that:

'The Scottish Government is keen to see all our children and young people having positive learning experiences in a variety of settings’.

 

Learning and teaching packages begin with an experience out-of-doors in the environment of your school or at a location in Aberdeen City. Pupils find out a great deal for themselves with the help of structured personal record sheets which assist with the topic being studied.

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This initial experience can be complemented and extended by other learning and teaching units planned for a later date.

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Planning

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The ideal time to get in contact with the Trust is when you are planning a programme of work.

We can give advice about the most appropriate learning and teaching programme.

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It is often possible to complete two of our programmes during a day visit. It can also be appropriate to combine an AUST experience

with a visit to another resource provider for a complementary visit. For example, our WWII

street trail and shelter visit, and a visit to the Gordon Highlanders’ Museum.

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Booking

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To make a booking could not be easier.

Simply telephone  01224 261729

or e-mail: enquiries@austrust.org.uk    

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Most of our learning and teaching units take between 11/2 to 3 hours to complete and cost between £50 and £100 depending on the duration.