Teacher wins nature award

A Newtonmore teacher has been awarded for her efforts in taking the classroom outdoors and immersing her young students in the nature of the Cairngorms National Park.

Primary teacher, Fiona Ross has been taking part in the year-long ‘Teaching in Nature’ project run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) which supports teachers to use a local natural, wild place for them to plan, implement and evaluate a challenging and fun outdoor learning experience.

Fiona’s efforts and dedication to outdoor learning have now been rewarded with the General Teaching Council for Scotland awarding Fiona ‘Professional Recognition in Outdoor Learning’.

“For years I have been taking pupils outdoors”

“For many years I have been taking my pupils outdoors to enhance their learning”, said Fiona.

“For this project we shared learning as we identified trees through the seasons, created information leaflets and learned the Gaelic tree names.

“The pupils carried out a tree survey, graphed results and noted areas for action, which included planting 60 varied native trees and wildflower seeds in the woods to increase biodiversity. Within the year all class staff in the school, including both nurseries, were using the Wildwood space with the children for a variety of topic-related learning activities and for play opportunities. The pupils have gained confidence and resilience from being out in all weathers and socially from the teamwork involved.”