About Us

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Welcome to OutdoorLearning4Schools!

I would be delighted to meet with you and discuss how to help develop effective and enjoyable learning outdoors - in ways that will complement and enrich classroom-based learning.

I completed my Geography degree and PGCE at Oxford University, before starting my career as a Geography teacher in 1980. 

I became increasingly aware of the value and importance of learning outside the classroom and so, for the next 20 years, I taught outdoor education at a number of residential activity centres in Scotland and the Lakes District. 

For 7 years, I was also privileged to be the Head of Outdoor Education and teach Geography at St Davids College in North Wales.

From 2003 -19 I was the "Educational Visits and Outdoor Learning Adviser" for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's School Improvement team. This involved giving support, advice, and training to teachers  regarding how to enhance the curriculum by teaching outdoors, using their own school grounds and local area, as well as on school visits.

As well as working in schools, I often deliver workshops at regional and national outdoor education conferences, and regularly provide training for universities and  teacher training colleges.

To inspire and help teachers:

• Gain the confidence and competence to teach more effectively outdoors
• Understand how learning outdoors can truly extend and enrich classroom-based learning
• Appreciate how vital it is to demonstrate how the curriculum is relevant and applicable to real life
• Improve pupil understanding and attainment by applying their head knowledge to real practical situations
• Improve pupil engagement, motivation and attendance through the provision of enjoyable activities outdoors
• Remind themselves of the joy of teaching and learning!

To promote in students:

• A love of learning, exploration, and discovery 
• A greater understanding and respect for nature and the  environment
• Relationship-building qualities such as empathy and tolerance
• Character-building qualities such as determination and resilience
• Team-building qualities such as trust and respect, together with communication and leadership skills
• An ability to think laterally and solve problems 
• Self confidence and esteem through achieving and overcoming challenges
• Improved physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing
• An understanding of how classroom learning is relevant and applicable to real life

We are a family-run business 

I work in partnership with my wife Karin, who also has considerable experience of delivering outdoor education to schools. We have enjoyed sharing many outdoor experiences and hill walking, canoeing, ski touring, and windsurfing adventures together. We are both passionate about the environment, and love being outdoors, watching and learning more about the natural world.

For some activities, we also employ the services of other staff - including experts such as Cindy Stephenson (a level 3 Forest School tutor) who runs the Humber Forest School based at Wawne.