Students from West Lothian College travelled to Germany, marking three years of partnership with South Westphalia University.
This year, 14 students and two lecturers from the college’s Childhood Practice department, visited Soest to learn how a rights‑based approach to play and sustainability pedagogy are embedded within early years education in Germany.
The project enabled students to compare German practice with approaches used in Scotland, deepening their understanding of international early years pedagogy.
Caroline Jarvis, Lecturer in Childhood Practice and trip lead, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to really reflect on our rights-based play pedagogy whilst learning from our European partner. Feedback from students is clear that they have used this learning in their own practice to improve outcomes for the children they support.”
As part of the research experience, the group undertook a series of good‑practice visits, including a farm‑based kindergarten and an outdoor kindergarten, where they observed how children learn through exploration, creativity and connection to the natural environment.
“One highlight of the trip was a visit to Tiggeshof Farm Kindergarten, where children lead their own learning through caring for animals and harvesting vegetables,” Caroline added. “Students joined in by helping to harvest kale for family vegetable boxes sold by the farm, gaining first‑hand insight into how sustainability can be embedded in daily practice.”
During the same period, 11 students and two lecturers from South Westphalia University travelled to West Lothian College, where they delivered a sustainability workshop as part of the college’s annual Teach-In event, in early March.
Hazel Brady, Principal of West Lothian College, said: “This is so important for West Lothian College and reflects our commitment to collaboration, innovation and high‑quality learning and teaching. By working with our partners, we are creating meaningful opportunities for our students and strengthening the college’s role locally, nationally and internationally. I am proud of the expertise, ambition and dedication shown by our staff and students and I look forward to building on this success.”