After the success of last year's graduation in the forest, we decided to hold one of our Induction days in the forest setting for this year’s cohort. Our trainee teachers appreciated the opportunity to find out about the benefits of taking learning outside early in their training. Being in the forest right at the start of their training also allowed them space to bond and get to know each other – there really have been friendships forged for a lifetime on this course.

​After discussing what they wanted for Graduation, it was clear that a return to the outdoors felt fitting. So this year our Graduation was held at West Town Farm in Ide. This is an organic farm in a beautiful setting where many schools come for their educational visits. The farm boasts a brilliant outdoor classroom, a large barn area and many opportunities for children to learn about nature, farming and being creative. The farm staff and the Organic Arts team who ran some creative activities for us were so helpful. It was great to introduce our ECTs to a place where they may take classes of children in the future.