by Luke Winter, Ancient Technology Centre, UK

1. Combining Fundamental Learning with
the Reality of Generating Income

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Health and
Safety
Boooooooooo!?
• 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.