Merchiston are delighted to announce our new headteacher of The Forest at Merchiston…Davina Bowers.
Interview from Merchiston Castle School:
Joining us from the Edinburgh Academy, Davina brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position, promising to deliver the very best in early years education for our Forest Pioneers.
A qualified Forest School leader, Davina is a strong advocate for the Forest principles - delivering outstanding teaching, supporting holistic development and encouraging child-centred learning to nurture the very best out of young people.
We chatted to Davina about her passion for forest schooling, her ambitions for the new school, and what The Forest at Merchiston can offer your child.
Have a read of the conversation here:
FIRST THINGS FIRST, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF!
Originally from Northumberland, I grew up spending lots of time outdoors on the fabulous Northumberland coastline. I am always happiest in the woods, up in the hills or down by the sea!
I have been teaching for 18 years and moved to Scotland in 2006. I was Head of Nursery & Pre-Prep at Cargilfield School before moving to Edinburgh Academy in 2018. During my maternity leave I developed an interest in outdoor learning through the Forest School programme and later I also did my Beach School training too. I have since developed the outdoor learning provision for Edinburgh Academy and feel passionate about the success of forest school education and its benefits for children. My husband and I have three lovely children and a dog called Mouse who will most definitely be visiting Merchiston!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT JOINING THE FOREST AT MERCHISTON?
Working in those fabulous grounds with all the children! It is such an exciting opportunity, and I can't wait to welcome everyone in to start their education and lifelong learning literally from the roots up.
WHAT WILL THE FOREST AT MERCHISTON OFFER FAMILIES?
An utterly unique, unparalleled educational offering in Edinburgh in the most magical place. We aim to provide a completely holistic education founded in strong pedagogical values, that is fully immersive for the children and nurtures them both academically and socially within the forest school setting. The forest school ethos is heavily embedded within the values that Merchiston holds most dear, so we are thrilled to now be able to offer an outstanding education from nursery onwards.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FOREST SCHOOLING?
Forest schools foster and promote self-esteem, confidence, and independence. This approach to learning allows children to develop at their own pace whilst being nurtured, supported and challenged by our outstanding team. It enables supported risk-taking, child-centred learning, exploration and play - not to mention the development of a deeper connection with the natural world.
WHAT WILL BE YOUR FOCUS OVER THE COMING YEAR?
Meeting prospective families and promoting this unique offering to Edinburgh families will be a key priority. I am also keen to publish our curriculum for both Forest Nursery and Junior School so that our parents and children can see how life in the Forest will unfold and what exciting challenges and opportunities await. I will also focus on developing the outdoor space including a sustainable working garden; designing our junior school building, which opens onto the fantastic walled garden enabling free flow outdoors within our classroom settings as well.
I am really looking forward to meeting all the children and their families, as well as getting to know current Merchiston students. I very much hope they will play an intrinsic part in helping our younger children in their learning.
Are you interested in learning more about The Forest at Merchiston? Take a look here.