What we believe......
We believe that all children can and should be given the opportunity to get outdoors regardless of ability or background.
The world offers abundant opportunities for exploration, even within the confines of a concrete jungle playground. Every learning experience serves as a platform for learners to inquire, question, and achieve through the wonders of explorative learning. By breaking down the traditional walls, we can expand imaginations and push boundaries, providing challenges that deepen our understanding of the world we live in!
Where it all began......
Leaves and Learning, founded in 2023 by Jess Hermann, is driven by her passion for outdoor education and her belief that learning can happen anywhere. As a teacher, Jess has vast experience working with primary school students, including those with additional needs and language barriers.
Her teaching journey began while studying her MA in Psychology when she taught English as a foreign language and obtained a TESOL certificate, experiencing resource-limited schools in various countries.Â
6 years later, after completing her PGDE in Primary Education, she continued to embrace her passion for outdoor education through using the outdoors as a tool throughout her learning and teaching approach.
With over 10 years of experience, a qualified Forest School Leader (Level 8 FOLA), John Muir Award Leader and Outdoor Learning Coordinator, Jess's infectious enthusiasm empowers and inspires teachers and schools to embrace outdoor learning experiences. She provides resources, guidance, and training to "rewild" lessons and reconnect learners with nature.
Emphasising that outdoor education levels the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, Jess finds joy in witnessing learners engage with the natural world, developing confidence and resilience. As educators, she believes it is our responsibility to facilitate these meaningful connections between our students and the world they inhabit, nurturing their growth, and helping them thrive in the world they live in.
Outside the classroom, Jess can often be found hiking in the hills, trail running and immersing herself in muddy adventures with her family and children, fully embracing the joys of nature.