About Us
Tom Jones
I have always enjoyed being in the great outdoors. From playing outdoors as a child to progression through the Scouting movement from Beavers to Cubs, Scouts to Venture Scouts. I am a keen hiker and cyclist (both on and off road). I have enjoyed camping holidays with friends and family in France, Holland and Ireland as well as the UK. I have a strong interest in teaching and learning about living things and the environment. This began during my A-Level studies, where I developed an interest in ecology through field studies in North Yorkshire.
As part of a gap year in the USA, I worked as a Camp Counsellor at a summer camp in the Redwood Forest in Northern California. I also organised many outdoor activities on the local beach and forest while volunteering in a youth group there.
On returning to the UK, I studied at The University of Leeds where I was part of the University Boat Club. I spent a large part of my time rowing on the River Ouse in York in all weathers in all seasons. After graduation, I moved back to Sheffield and achieved a PGCE Primary Teacher Qualification from Sheffield Hallam University.
During my teaching career, I have developed the viewpoint that making learning fun is essential to inspire children to enjoy learning. Whenever possible, I try to use Outdoor Learning to engage and inspire my pupils. I do this by using whatever outdoor space is available within the school grounds as I believe that children are better learners when they have direct experiences that act as a source of fascination, inquiry, experimentation and reflection.
At the start of 2019 I qualified as a Level 3 Forest Schools Practitioner. I now divide my time between classroom teaching at a primary school in Chesterfield, and leading Forest Schools sessions.
Qualifications
- PGCE with QTS Primary Teaching (5-11 years)
- BSc Physiology
- Level 3 Forest Schools Leader
- ITC Outdoor First Aid
- Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
- Level 1 Food Safety and Hygiene
- Safeguarding Children in Education
Other Information
- Member of the Forest School Association.
- Member of the Institute for Outdoor Learning.
- Member of the Institute for Earth Education.
- Enhanced DBS Certificate available via the Update Service.
Work or Volunteer With Us!
Are you interested in a career in Outdoor Learning?
Could you help out as a one-off, or on a regular basis? Drop us an email and tell us your story!
