Bushcraft at St Regis

Welcome to St Regis Academy, where innovation meets education in the great outdoors. Since September 2023, a groundbreaking initiative has been underway, led by David Parnham, our esteemed geography teacher, and Chris Green, our dedicated Vice Principal. Together, they have spearheaded transformative outdoor learning sessions for two Year 9 cohorts, enriching our curriculum with immersive experiences in nature.

Harnessing the abundant resources of our school grounds, including a mature woodland, nature reserve, outdoor classroom, and vegetable growing areas, our program draws inspiration from Forest Schools. It aims to nurture a profound connection with nature, offering activities such as den building and basic woodcraft that resonate deeply with our students.

Building upon their extensive experience leading residential trips to outdoor education centres, Parnham and Green identified an opportunity to integrate bushcraft into our curriculum. Recognising the growing popularity of bushcraft, they envisioned structured challenges that leverage our local environment.

In February, Parnham and Green embarked on a rigorous two-day training session led by an accredited instructor from the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre. This training, centred around “The Bushcraft Competency Award,” equipped them with essential skills in fire lighting, camp cooking, use of edged tools, water management, and shelter construction.

Armed with newfound expertise and updated risk assessments, Parnham and Green are poised to expand our bushcraft programme. They will meticulously document their journey through a comprehensive logbook, ensuring the solidification of skills learned during sessions with Year 9 students. Additionally, they will undergo further assessment to certify their proficiency in leading bushcraft activities.

Excitingly, St Regis is on the cusp of educational innovation, with plans to integrate ‘Bushcraft’ as a mandatory course in the Year 7 curriculum starting September. This bold step underscores our commitment to holistic education, providing students with unique experiences that shape their values and worldview.

As St Regis blazes a trail in outdoor education, we invite you to join us on this journey. Our endeavour showcases the profound impact of experiential learning on students’ growth and development, setting a compelling example for schools nationwide. Embrace the outdoors with us, and let’s cultivate a future where nature and education intertwine seamlessly.