Helen Jones

Through my work as curriculum development leader at a large urban primary school, my passion for ensuring children had greater opportunities for learning outdoors became integral to the school vision for a bespoke curriculum. ‘On Your Doorstep’ became a concept for teachers to plan learning projects within the school community such as: visiting residents in the nursing home, carrying out fieldwork at the local nature reserve, sketching the mill factories and volunteering at the local foodbank.

Observing the value of this curriculum development and witnessing the increased enjoyment of learning in both children and their teachers, led me to embark on my Masters Degree in Education and Social Justice. My studies have included examining key issues and theories in social justice and education with the submission of a short research paper: ‘To Bee or not to Bee: The Study of a School Bee Apiary and its Impact on Child Well-being, Learning & Enjoyment’ and more recently my dissertation research project titled: ‘Less Sitting Indoors Please: Making Room for Nature-based Learning and Outdoor Education Within a Crowded Curriculum’.

My participation in writing a monograph series for the Charlotte Mason Centenary Celebrations at the University of Cumbria in 2023, brings together my expertise across RE, English and Outdoor Learning. I continue to examine and challenge aspects of current pedagogies within these themes and advocate for continued and sustained appreciation for nature-based learning and environmental education within the primary curriculum.