Mick Bradshaw
Outdoor Education Adviser
Mick has worked in Outdoor Education since 1990, in both residential and day visit centres around England and Wales, teaching environmental studies to key stage 2 and 3 children, and outdoor activities to both children and adults. He has subsequently completed a BSc QTS in Geography and Environmental Issues and taught in secondary schools in Sutton and Croydon. Mick also ran an Adventure Project (part of the Youth Service provision in Sutton) for a number of years, organising and delivering activity clubs, courses and expeditions and has extensive experience of running Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions
When the opportunity came to undertake the role of Outdoor Education Adviser, the chance to encourage and support schools to continue to offer children similar experiences to those that he had been fortunate to enjoy himself as a child was compelling. Mick has now been supporting schools in this role for over 20 years.
Mick now supports schools across south-west London and beyond as they offer learning opportunities in the UK and overseas, and provides them with guidance, training and ongoing advice. Working with colleagues as part of the Education Safeguarding Team at Cognus has enabled him to widen his understanding of the safeguarding responsibilities of schools, but also to ensure that safeguarding is addressed alongside learning outcomes and health and safety as an aspect of all educational visits.
Mick aims to promote the benefits of all learning beyond the classroom activities, encouraging schools to look for new opportunities whether they take place in the school grounds or venture to the more remote regions of the world.
Mick holds a range of professional outdoor qualifications, including a Post Graduate Certificate in Outdoor Education from the University of Edinburgh. He endeavours to constantly remain current in his knowledge and skills across both education and outdoor activities.
Mick is an Accredited Member of the Outdoor Education Advisers Panel. He is also an Accredited Practitioner of Outdoor Learning (APIOL), a trustee of an independent outdoor activity centre and has many years service as a Primary School Governor. His personal interests include canoeing/ kayaking, skiing and riding bikes.