Bringing education outdoors with Forest School learning
On World Teacher’s Day (5th October), we are celebrating one of our graduates and current student, Maria D’Angelo, an inspiring educator and entrepreneur who is redefining learning through her outdoor initiative, .
Maria’s forest school, based in Brynamman, Ammanford, takes children of all ages out of conventional classroom settings and immerses them in the wonders of nature, providing a unique approach to learning.
Currently pursuing her PGCE in Primary Education at UWTSD, Maria brings a wealth of experience and passion to her teaching. Drawing on her undergraduate degree in BA Early Years Education and Care, Maria believes that children thrive when they are free to explore, play, and learn in a natural setting.
Maria said:
“At Ffrindiau’r Goedwig – Friends of the Forest, children are free to explore, learn, and grow in ways that nurture both their academic development and their connection to the environment, fostering creativity, resilience, social skills, and confidence.”
Maria’s journey as an educator has been significantly shaped by her studies at UWTSD.
Through an Entrepreneurship module she studied as part of her course, she gained the confidence and skills needed to launch her business. The course, designed to explore business opportunities within the early years education sector, inspired Maria to pursue her vision of creating an alternative learning environment.
Maria said:
“The support I’ve received from UWTSD has been instrumental in both my academic and entrepreneurial journey.
“The practical, real-world approach to learning, combined with the close-knit community on the Carmarthen campus, has provided me with a strong foundation to pursue my PGCE and continue growing my business.”
As part of her studies, Maria also completed the John Muir Award, a certificated course focused on outdoor learning and sustainability. This deepened her understanding of the natural world’s role in education and inspired her to incorporate conservation efforts into her forest school curriculum where children engage in activities such as building bug hotels and creating bird feeders to enhance biodiversity.
Maria completed the fast-track BA in Early Years Education and Care programme whilst working full-time as a teaching assistant. The course, designed for professionals in the sector, is delivered in the evenings over two years, allowing her to balance her studies with her career.
Now, while studying for her PGCE on a full-time basis, she is balancing running her forest school business on weekends and school holidays, as well as teaching on a casual basis at The National Botanic Garden of Wales. She’s doing all of this while also raising a family, demonstrating her exceptional dedication, perseverance, and commitment to her personal and professional growth.
On this World Teachers’ Day, we are celebrating Maria not only for her accomplishments but for her innovative approach to education. With her vision and dedication, Maria is helping to shape a new generation of learners who are both inquisitive and conscious of the world they live in.
See a gallery of below.
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996
