A note from our new Head of Outdoor Education, Russell McAlinden

I've been involved in outdoor education now for over 20 years, both as a teacher and outdoor instructor, I commenced my journey working in North Wales, following a degree in Adventure Recreation. I quickly found a keen interest in developing outdoor learning in schools, and thus completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education specialising in Physical Education. I have since spent the past 16 years establishing and leading the Outdoor Education programme at the Leys School. I have really enjoyed seeing young people develop as a result of them stepping out of their comfort zone. My adventures have taken me all over the UK and indeed further afield, including Russia, Norway, USA, Pakistan, Nepal and Croatia. I look forward to bringing such adventures to Stephen Perse.

Mindfulness Life Coaching is also a passion of mine, having recently completed a Level 4 Diploma in Mindfulness Life Coaching and supported individuals in and out of the education setting. I find that there are many links between the concept of life coaching and outdoor learning, including the notion of taking a person on a journey of personal discovery.

I am excited to take on a new challenge, and look forward to joining the Stephen Perse Foundation in April.