Rachael completed a degree in law and a year in industry before realising that she couldn’t work at a desk. She completed her PGCE in Primary education with High Force Education in Barnard Castle in 2007 and MA in Education in 2012. Coming from a background working in outdoor education, holding many NGB qualifications notably Level 4 Kayak instructor, she was always keen to take her classroom outdoors, therefore gaining her Forest School leadership award in 2019.

Rachael loves watching pupils thrive in the outdoor environment, facilitating their learning in different ways and helping them achieve their potential. Let’s face it, nothing beats toasting a marshmallow on a fire.

Anita Foster gained a BSc(Hons) in Biology with Education from the University of Bath in 1992. This teaching qualification coupled with a passion for the outdoors led her to focus on learning outside the classroom – developing programmes, managing education centres and working with thousands of children and teachers in a wide range of settings. Since 2001 she has specialised in school grounds, helping schools and early years settings realise the potential of these spaces as educational resources, through consultancy, training and project management.

Anita’s favourite aspect of Wilderness Schooling?

“The light bulb moments. When a child really ‘gets’ something. I see this in teachers too, when they see the positive impact of learning outdoors on their pupils, and understand themselves what Wilderness School is all about.“

Kieran began his journey in education working as a Behaviour Mentor with children who had disengaged from learning due to social, emotional, and mental health issues. After completing a SCITT in Primary Teaching, Kieran then taught for six years in Gateshead and now works as an Interventions Teacher for children who are not accessing education due to their physical and mental health needs. The students Kieran has worked with have helped him realise learning outdoors can often provide a safer, more supportive and stimulating environment for children who are struggling to cope in the classroom.

Jenny Dockett has a degree in Environmental Microbiology and a Masters in Heritage Studies. Her dissertation ‘Doing heritage in Northumberland: the effect of long term relationships with heritage sites on wellbeing, identity and ontological security’ is about the benefits people gain from visiting a heritage site regularly over a period of years. She has worked as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, Education Officer at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh and Public Engagement Manager at the Centre for Life. She now works freelance for science festivals and heritage projects when she is not doing Wilderness Schools.

Jenny loves to see children getting hands on with practical learning. She loves it when children show her something they have found or observed for the first time. She loves to see their confidence grow each week.

“The most magical part of Wilderness Schools is when a teacher takes you to one side and tells you ‘they wouldn’t normally engage in the classroom’.”

After 10 years as a high school English teacher, Clara is following her passion for outdoor education full time. She has been part of the WS team for several years.

Clara is a warm, enthusiastic practitioner who believes that children bloom in the outdoors. She loves the process of Wilderness Schooling and the magic of children developing their self belief, self esteem & understanding of curricular concept. She loves an outdoor fire and the simplicity of being outdoors together. She has recently joined our Curious Beasts & is excited to develop her mental health skills. She lives in the Derwent Valley with her family & cat.