Avril Rowley

Dr Avril Rowley is a senior lecturer on the Primary Education team at LJMU with specialisms in primary science, history and Outdoor Learning (including Forest Schools). With 20 years teaching experience in a range of primary schools across Merseyside, Avril joined the Primary Education team in September 2015 where she has continued to contribute to the delivery of a dynamic and responsive Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme. Her special interest in the benefits of the use of the outdoors to enhance the educational experiences of young people and children led her to establish designated Forest School/Outdoor Learning areas on IM Marsh Campus and, more recently, in the grounds of the John Lennon Art and Design Campus to enable primary trainee teachers to engage with local schools through the teaching of Forest Schools and Outdoor Learning. These learning areas are unique to ITE settings and have been planned and built in collaboration with The Mersey Forest. Further to this, she has developed The Natural Curriculum Hub to engage teachers across the Merseyside area with outdoor learning strategies and CPD to enhance teaching and learning throughout the curriculum.