Our trained teacher trainers share their enthusiasm for cross-curricular outdoor teaching and learning . Using the principles of eco schools we build a core understanding of ecology and local bio diversity.

As experts in environmental education our sustainable designers and environmental managers work closely with educational institutions and community groups across all ages. We promote healthy schools and sustainable living through environmental awareness and understanding. Our staff includes certified eco-school assessors, checking on the integration of environmental programs across the school, recycling, resource reduction and re-use programmes. As trained Eco School assessors we can help guide you towards green flag status.

Working with teachers we offer inset days for creative curriculum, health and well-being, using eco school grounds to enliven science, literacy and maths, music, art, ICT and geography lessons. Outdoor activities to involve the wider community are showcased. Risk management and perceptions of risk are covered. Add value with a whole school INSET day or share costs and get together a consortia of local schools.

Working with students we offer special focus days as well as on-going programmes to support teaching and learning within the school. We will work with you to develop fun activities that engage the disengaged, spark deep understanding in the able and a love and respect for the environment across all abilities and levels.

Greenstone Design UK's eco schools training consultants, identified and recognised by the Department for Education and the Ministry of Health as best practice providers of innovation to bring the fun back into learning, developing health and well being in schools and the local community, bringing sustainability to the forefront. We offer Inset day training to teachers, administrators and classroom assistants. CABE enables us to deliver Landscape workshops, Learning Outside the Classroom workshops and Eco school environment focus days.

We tailor CPD programmes to meet your needs. Whether you require us to develop inclusive outdoor activities to enhance eco days, raise aspirations through outdoor learning programmes, provide training for environmental music for Muslim and non-faith students, environmental art with local artists, design schemes to include lavender to attract pollinating bees to the school orchard, making acidic compost from the staff room tea bags for successful blueberries, invite parents to join the environmental club creating mini-beast habitat in the local churchyard, show how to maximise literacy curriculum benefits of environmental theme weeks, importantly, we bring an 'eco' dimension into the everyday curriculum.

We have run training courses funded through the EU, CABE, Creative Partnerships, the Solent Centre for Architecture + Design, Places Matter! and the Forestry Commission. One day INSET day courses are generally held from 09.00 -15.30 at your school, a local consortia-chosen venue, the Tree House, Beaulieu, Hampshire or in the Alice Holt Forest classroom, Farnham, Hampshire. We supply eco schools and Playground Design workshops nationwide.

Primary CPD courses cover an introduction to teaching outdoors across the curriculum, a background to the new policy initiatives, plenty of hands-on activities, and the opportunity to work with our designer to design your playground to facilitate outdoor learning.

Secondary CPD courses focus on curriculum areas of geography, biology, english and maths. One day courses give you the tools and resources to use your school grounds to teach the curriculum creatively, outdoors. GCSE Geography fieldwork has been described as inadequate. Teachers need support to learn or reaffirm fieldwork skills. The new requirements for fieldwork in Biology will require similar CPD training for outdoor learning for teachers.

SEN INSET days for teachers who want to calm or stimulate students, reinforce classroom learning outdoors are also available. A full range of disabilities can be taken outdoors into safe, stimulating environments. Teaching and learning is enriched through experiential learning.

CPD to engage the disengaged offer staff ideas to work with children outdoors. Disengaged students are taught to value themselves, their communities and their abilities through social and therapeutic horticulture. CPD courses specifically for teachers of disengaged and disaffected students are available on request.

Pressing issues of Climate change, peak oil, sustainable development, can be taught through poetry, drama, outdoor environmental music and maths. Making the topic relevant and interesting to the students ensures their engagement, furthers their understanding of key stage requirements, and importantly is fun! Further courses are available on request.

NOTE:

* Any subject can be taught outdoors.

* School grounds or local community gardens may need to be designed to facilitate outdoor learning. Greenstone Design UK can help you with a plan for your playground.

To see a recent course delivered in conjunction with Curious Minds and Places Matter! check out the video on the linked page.

If you are interested in hosting an INSET day on using your school grounds to enhance delivery of the National Curriculum, please contact us.

Or, if you would like to come to the Alice Holt Forest, Farnham, Surrey, we would be happy to welcome you to a mixed school event.

All abilities and age groups benefit from learning outside the classroom. Join us for a revitalising CPD day soon. Fee: from just £100 per person. Lunch and refreshments included.

Phone or email for bookings & further information

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