Playful Learning 2026 Programme

Off The Beaten Track

Lead Author: Gary Worgan

Additional authors: Claire Honey

Timetable: Thursday Session 7: 14:30-15:15, Gallery Room 1

Description:

Step Into the Woods and enter a playful, unpredictable landscape where paths twist, plans shift and collaboration becomes essential.

In this hands-on session, participants work in small teams to design, build and adapt a wooden train network through a changing woodland-inspired environment. What begins as a simple creative task quickly becomes a lively challenge, shaped by new information, hidden constraints and unexpected disruptions.

As the challenge unfolds, it offers insight into how people collaborate, communicate and respond when things become more complex. It creates space to notice team dynamics in action: how decisions are made, how roles emerge, how people respond to uncertainty, and how different ways of showing up shape the group’s progress.

The session ends with a facilitated reflection, drawing out practical insights for leadership, teamwork and learning.

Off the Beaten Track invites you to slow down, play deeply and rediscover how learning happens when we build together…one track at a time.

References, web links and other resources:

https://www.beyondtheskills.com/