Mike
PGCE, MOst
Founder, CEO, Facilitator
Mike brings a distinctive blend of warmth and empathy, along with a pedagogy inspired by home education and refined by his time working in schools. He brings practical skills to his teaching and his love for the outdoors shines through not only in his woodsman and bushcraft expertise but also in his deep passion for geology, applied science, and ancient technologies. As a father of three young boys, Mike infuses his work with music, movement, humour, and genuine care when interacting with both children and adults, creating a culture of laughter, camaraderie, and open communication.
Nadya
Facilitator
Nadya works with both children and adults, both within and outside the mainstream school system, and she brings a serene energy to her activities. As someone educated in the Steiner philosophy, she comprehends the significance of forging a profound connection with nature and discovers tranquillity in outdoor environments. With her musical, creative, and extensive experience, you can be assured that Nadya will empower you to embrace and rekindle your innate bond with nature.
Jordan
Facilitator
Jordan is a storytelling genius, skilfully immersing participants in intricate imaginary realms where challenges unfold, and valuable lessons are discovered. His remarkable capacity to engage children in conversations about Minecraft or Dungeons & Dragons, all while serving as a role model and mentor, is truly captivating. Jordan excels in crafting exciting group games and radiates a deep enthusiasm for learning alongside the participants.
Bea
Emotional Support Dog
Bea has been an integral part of our journey since its inception, contributing significantly to the process of helping numerous participants conquer their fear of dogs. Her presence is characterised by a perfect blend of gentleness and boundless energy. What’s truly remarkable is her innate ability to connect with people on a deep level, often transcending the need for verbal communication. It’s no surprise that Bea eagerly anticipates Out to Learn sessions each week, as they hold a special place in her heart, just as she does in ours. Her unwavering enthusiasm and intuitive understanding make her a cherished and indispensable member of our team.
Alice
Facilitator
Alice, a photographic journalist overflowing with creativity and a strong presence, demonstrates a profound appreciation for nature and a genuine concern for others in her work. Her reassuringly calm and grounded demeanour equips her with an incredible ability to establish profound connections with quieter or more reserved participants. With a background in home education and extensive experience in working with children of diverse needs, she brings an intuitive and dedicated approach to support the group’s participants on their journey.
Gwendoline
Facilitator
Gwendoline, with her expertise in age-old practices such as foraging, cultivation, and natural remedies, enriches our project with a unique perspective on connecting with nature. Her innate sense of style and warm hospitality ensures that everyone is not only comfortable but also well-nourished and genuinely looked after. With her deep experience in holding safe spaces for emotional growth, she contributes to a nurturing and supportive environment.
Fresh #organic #schoolgrown soup with #beets and #garlic from the polytunnel. The whole school was able to taste the food which the children have grown from seeds and eventually cooked on an open fire (not to mention the salad and fruit they pick and eat every week). An important life skill learned through fun, nurture and a weekly installment of silly songs! #outdoorlearning #bushcraft #forestschool #hertfordshire #Bedfordshire #buckinghamshire #natureinschools
Fresh #organic #schoolgrown soup with #beets and #garlic from the polytunnel. The whole school was able to taste the food which the children have grown from seeds and eventually cooked on an open fire (not to mention the salad and fruit they pick and eat every week). An important life skill learned through fun, nurture and a weekly installment of silly songs! #outdoorlearning #bushcraft #forestschool #hertfordshire #Bedfordshire #buckinghamshire #natureinschools
The sun setting on a beautiful and busy week of outdoor goodness #outdoorlearning #schooltrips #kindsinnature #alternativeprovision
The sun setting on a beautiful and busy week of outdoor goodness #outdoorlearning #schooltrips #kindsinnature #alternativeprovision
Learning about #refraction #science #appliedscience #outdoorlearning
Amidst the turmoil of life; a night in a sleeping bag by the fire under the stars; being awoken by the grunting and barking of wild deer close by after melting into the dawn chorus an hour before. Then a cool swim in the early morning sunny warmth while admiring the geological beauty of the landscape and contemplating our place within it... helps me to retain perspective on what this project is about and why we do it. Feeling blessed #wildswim #natureconnection #ridgeway #peaceinnature #perspective #outdoorlearning #bushcraft #childreninnature #outdooreducation
Amidst the turmoil of life; a night in a sleeping bag by the fire under the stars; being awoken by the grunting and barking of wild deer close by after melting into the dawn chorus an hour before. Then a cool swim in the early morning sunny warmth while admiring the geological beauty of the landscape and contemplating our place within it... helps me to retain perspective on what this project is about and why we do it. Feeling blessed #wildswim #natureconnection #ridgeway #peaceinnature #perspective #outdoorlearning #bushcraft #childreninnature #outdooreducation
Using trays of water rather than a spirit level to teach the children how we find horizontal level. It was beautiful to watch how much sense this made to them and how creatively they engaged with it using fingers and sticks to compare the depth of the water. They also used different levers and fulcrums intuitively so that they could easily lift the heavy structure at various points. #appliedscience #appliedmathematics #outdoorclassroom #outdoorlearning #alternativeprovision #ofstedregistered #pond #natureconnection #natureinschools
Using trays of water rather than a spirit level to teach the children how we find horizontal level. It was beautiful to watch how much sense this made to them and how creatively they engaged with it using fingers and sticks to compare the depth of the water. They also used different levers and fulcrums intuitively so that they could easily lift the heavy structure at various points. #appliedscience #appliedmathematics #outdoorclassroom #outdoorlearning #alternativeprovision #ofstedregistered #pond #natureconnection #natureinschools
Tarp set up really well by the kids this morning at #colneyheathschool - we`re enjoying time around the fire together with singing, talking nature and science and generally getting stuck in. At Out to Learn we bring meaningful outdoor experiences to children both in and out of school supporting their confidence, emotional development and fostering a connection with nature. #outdooreducation #foreststschool #bushcraft #appliedscience #adhd #dyslexia #autism #neurodiversity
Tarp set up really well by the kids this morning at #colneyheathschool - we`re enjoying time around the fire together with singing, talking nature and science and generally getting stuck in. At Out to Learn we bring meaningful outdoor experiences to children both in and out of school supporting their confidence, emotional development and fostering a connection with nature. #outdooreducation #foreststschool #bushcraft #appliedscience #adhd #dyslexia #autism #neurodiversity
How wonderful to be involved in playing music again after such a long time. Four part harmonies, mandolin and fiddle... pretty much my dream band! First gig after two rehersals and we decided to call ourselves Chiltern Echos ๐ hoping to find a budding sound engineer to join us next. Lovely way to spend the day at #cheshamcarnival
How wonderful to be involved in playing music again after such a long time. Four part harmonies, mandolin and fiddle... pretty much my dream band! First gig after two rehersals and we decided to call ourselves Chiltern Echos ๐ hoping to find a budding sound engineer to join us next. Lovely way to spend the day at #cheshamcarnival
For a couple of weeks during the summer, something magical happens in the Coombe. People gather to create and share music, connection, and a deep appreciation for nature. @abovebelowfestival is an intimate, safe, and meaningful festival brought about by an impressive team of local people dedicated to realising a dream - and what a superb job they do of it. @outtolearn sessions take place elsewhere on the site during the festival build and breakdown, but we are there in spirit. Huge appreciation for what you`ve created, massive respect ๐
For a couple of weeks during the summer, something magical happens in the Coombe. People gather to create and share music, connection, and a deep appreciation for nature. @abovebelowfestival is an intimate, safe, and meaningful festival brought about by an impressive team of local people dedicated to realising a dream - and what a superb job they do of it. @outtolearn sessions take place elsewhere on the site during the festival build and breakdown, but we are there in spirit. Huge appreciation for what you`ve created, massive respect ๐
