Mrs Sue Waite

Biography

Role

Developing and leading independent research projects on outdoor play and learning including health and wellbeing outcomes with colleagues at Plymouth University, Jonkoping University and beyond.

Qualifications

BA Hons English/Psychology, Keele University

postgraduate research on developing a test of social adjustment for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, Keele

work at Economic and Social Research Council & University of Sussex

PGCE, University of Plymouth

Teaching in mainstream (including special educational needs)

Research fellow and Senior Research fellow, Faculty of Education, Plymouth University

Reader, Plymouth Institute of Education (retired 31 July 2017)

Visiting specialist in outdoor play and learning at University of Plymouth

Visiting associate professor, Jonkoping University, Sweden

Professional membership

Member of British Educational Research Association

Member of European Educational Research Association

Member of European Affective Education network

Member of International Association for the Study of Co-operative Education network

Co-founder and member of an international research network on outdoor and experiential learning

Member of Forest School Association Research Group

Member of Natural England Strategic research group on Outdoor Learning and Outdoors for All

Chair of Research Group of International School Grounds Alliance Leadership Council

Roles on external bodies

Member of Economic and Social Research Council Peer Review College

Member of Editorial Board of Pastoral Care in Education

Member of Editorial Board of Education 3-13

Member of Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Regional Editor of Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education

Teaching

Teaching interests

Research

Research interests

- Learning outside the classroom, especially outdoor learning in the early and primary years and issues around place and culture

- Health and well-being outcomes from being outdoors

- Development of environmental awareness and pro environmental attitudes

- Issues around inclusive education and social justice, for example, developing curriculum guidelines for 14-16 year olds with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, provision for students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, purposes and practices in individual target setting, and person-centred perspectives and practices in relation to diversity in education

- Collaboration, critical thinking and motivation in higher education

Other research

Other research has included

    - development of audit of Early Years Provision

    - development of mathematical understanding, knowledge and skills in student teachers

     - Primary National Strategy CPD materials evaluation

     - ICT in primary schools (Individual differences)

      - study of out-of-county residential placement for children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties

     - Steiner Waldorf kindergarten practice

- conceptualisations of diversity

- health and wellbeing derived from woodland activities and natural environments

Grants & contracts

*2018 Royal Society ofWildlife Trusts: Survey of international expertcommentators’ views of purposeful outdoor learning

*2017 ERASMUS +: NANOL: NurturingAffinity to Nature through Outdoor Learning in Special Places, with University of Girona as coordinator and Finland,France, Spain and Slovenia partners

* 2015 Exmoor and Dartmoor National Park Authorities: Evaluation of Moor Health and Wellbeing projects

*2015 Camping and Caravanning Club: Perceptions of links between Camping and Education

*2014 Campaign to Protect Rural England, Devon Local Nature Partnership, Natural England: Naturally Healthy Schools Devon

*2014 Natural England and DEFRA: Beyond Natural Connections: planning to optimise opportunities to add value

*2013 Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund: Long term impacts of the Young Champion experience with Exmoor National Park Authority

*2013 Partnership funded project: Good from Woods,SNAM Alumni fund, Plymouth City Council Green Infrastructure, NaturalConnections Demonstration Project, Plymouth Community Health: Woodland Health for Youth (WHY): physical wellbeingderived from woodland activity

*2013 Campaign for National Parks: Mosaic Young Champions project external evaluation

*2012 Natural England: Natural Connections Demonstration Project: enhancing the use of local natural environments for learning outside the classroom across the curriculum

*2012 ESRC International Partnership and Networking award: Understanding educational and wellbeing implications of learning outside the classroom through cross-nationalcollaboration

2012 JISC Embedding Business and Community Impact award: T racking Digital Impact (TDI)

*2012 Institute of Health and Community and Exmoor National Park Authority Partnership Fund: Social and economic aspirations of young people on and around Exmoor

2012 JISC Embedding Business and Community Impact: Interfacing Research and Impact Systems (IRIS)

*2011 British Educational Research Association Meetingof Minds Fellowship

*2010-2014 BIGLottery Research Programme: Good from Woods: Social Cohesion and Well-being Deriving from WoodlandActivities with partners,Silvanus Trust, Neroche Scheme and Woodland Trust and other partners

*2009-2011 Economic and Social Research Council: Opportunities afforded by the outdoors for alternative pedagogies in children’s transition from Foundation Stage to Year 1

*2009Sustainable Development Fund award, Exmoor National Park Authority: Contribution of the Exmoor Curriculum to Rural Young People’s EducationalAchievement and Environmental Awareness,

2008-9 PlymouthCity Council: Partnership Project between University of Plymouth, University of Exeter and Plymouth Local Authority: The development of focus group methodology to access young people’s conceptualisations of diversity

*2006 Dorset Local Authority funded

1. Review of effectiveness of Out County Residential (OCR)provision for pupils with behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties(BESD) and development of evaluation framework for OCR provision for DorsetLocal Authority (LA).

2. Factors that pupils with behavioural, emotional and socialdifficulties (BESD) consider make a difference to their education in Dorset’sOut County Residential (OCR) or Local Authority (LA) specialist provision.

*2005/6 Devon Early Years Childcare DevelopmentPartnership Research Award:

1. Current practice and aspirations in outdoor learning for 2-5 year olds in Devon.

2. Current practice and aspirations in outdoor learning for 6-11 year olds in Devon.

3. Forest School leaders:Identifying common principles.

4. Exploring the concept of‘excellence’ in outdoor provision: 5 case studies.

Research groups

PhD in Education
Researching Higher Education Network

Publications

Key publications are highlighted

Journals

Articles

Waite S 2018 'Educating outside: Curriculum linked outdoor learning ideas for primary teachers' Education 3-13 47, (3) 378-379 , DOI

Edwards-Jones A, Waite S & Passy R 2016 'Falling into LINE: school strategies for overcoming challenges associated with learning in natural environments (LINE)' Education 3-13 46, (1) 1-15 , DOI PEARL

Waite SJ, Goodenough A, Norris V & Puttick N 2016 'From little acorns..: environmental action as a source of ecological wellbeing' Pastoral Care in Education An International Journal of Personal, Social and Emotional Development , DOI

Wright N, Goodenough A & Waite SJ 2015 'Gaining insights into young peoples’ playful wellbeing in woodland through art based action research' Journal of Playwork Practice (1) 23-43

Waite SJ, Rutter O, Fowle A & Edwards-Jones A 2015 'Diverse aims, challenges and opportunities for assessing outdoor learning: a critical examination of three cases from practice' Education 3-13 , DOI

Waters P, Waite S & Frampton I 2014 'Play frames or framed play? The use of film cameras in visual ethnographic research with children' Journal of Playwork Practice 1, (1) 23-38

Waite S & Rees S 2014 'Practising empathy: enacting alternative perspectives through imaginative play' Cambridge Journal of Education 44, (1) 77-88

Waite SJ 2013 'Knowing your place in the world’: how place and culture support and obstruct educational aims' Cambridge Journal of Education N/a, , DOI

Lawson H, Boyask R & Waite S 2013 'Construction of difference and diversity within policy and practice in England' Cambridge Journal of Education 43, (1) 107-122 , DOI

Boyask RA, Donkin, A, Waite, S, Lawson & H 2013 'Autonomy and governance in local authority provision for children and young people' Policy Futures in Education 11, (4) 375-386 , DOI

Waite SJ, Rogers S & Evans J 2013 'Freedom, flow and fairness: exploring how children develop socially at school through outdoor play' Journal of Adventure Education & 13, (2) 255-276 , DOI

Goodenough A & Waite SJ 2011 'Well-being from woodlands: The challenge of identifying what’s good from woods' ECOS

Waite SJ 2011 'Teaching and learning outside the classroom: personal values, alternative pedagogies and standards' Education 3-13 39, (1) 65-82 , DOI

Waite SJ, Boyask R & Lawson H 2010 'Aligning person-centred methods and young people’s conceptualizations of diversity' International Journal of Research & Method in Education 33, 69-83 , DOI

Waite SJ 2010 'Intercultural Insights, Research Intelligence' British Educational Research Association

Waite SJ 2010 'Losing our way?: declining outdoor opportunities for learning for children aged between 2 and 11' Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning 10, (2) 111-126 , DOI PEARL

Waite SJ 2009 'Finding out about ‘out and about’ learning' Journeys: the Journal of Victorian Outdoor Education

Waite S, Lawson H & Bromfield C 2009 'Individual target setting in a mainstream and special school: tensions in understanding and ownership' Educational Studies 35, (2) 107-121 , DOI

Waite SJ 2009 'Overcoming barriers to outdoor learning for 2-11 year olds in the UK' Journeys: the Journal of Victorian Outdoor Education

Passy R & Waite S 2008 'Excellence and enjoyment continuing professional development materials in England: both a bonus and onus for schools' 34, (3) 311-325 Author Site

Waite SJ 2007 ''Memories are made of this': some reflections on outdoor learning and recall' Education 3-13 35, (4) 333-347

Waite SJ, Wheeler S & Bromfield C 2007 'Our flexible friend: The implications of individual differences for information technology teaching' Computers and Education 48, (1) 80-99 Publisher Site , DOI

Waite SJ & Davis B 2006 'Collaboration as a catalyst for critical thinking in undergraduate research' Journal of Further and Higher Education 30, (4) 405-419

Waite SJ & Davis B 2006 'Developing undergraduate research skills in a Faculty of Education: motivation through collaboration' Higher Education Research and Development 25, (4) 403-419

Waite SJ, Davis B & Rea T 2006 'The Special Nature of the Outdoors: its contribution to the education of children aged 3-11' Australian Journal of Outdoor Education 10, (2) 3-12

Waite SJ, Lawson H & Robertson C 2006 'Work Related Learning For Students With Significant Learning Difficulties: Relevance And Reality' Cambridge Journal of Education 36, (4) 579-595

Waite SJ, Bromfield C & McShane S 2005 'Successful for whom? A methodology to evaluate and inform inclusive activity in schools' European Journal of Special Needs Education 20, 71-88

Waite SJ, Lawson H & Robertson C 2005 'Distinctiveness of curriculum provision at 14-16 for students with learning difficulties: opportunities and challenges' British Journal of Special Education 32, (1) 12-20

Waite SJ, Robertson C & Lawson H 2005 'Personalising the 14-16 curriculum for students with learning difficulties: conformity or innovation?' The SLD Experience

Waite SJ 2004 'Tools for the job: a report of two surveys of ICT use for literacy in primary schools in the West of England' Journal of Computer Assisted Learning 20, (1) 11-20

Waite SJ & Halstead M 2003 'Love and Trust: making space for feelings in Sex Education' Education and Health 21, (2) 23-28

Waite SJ 2003 'Maintaining momentum' Including Special Children

Waite SJ 2003 'Report of JCal conference, University College, Belfast, 8-10 April 2003 for Steve Wheeler’s Around the Globe' Quarterly Review of Distance Education 4, 463-466

Wheeler S, Waite SJ & Bromfield C 2002 'Promoting creative thinking through the use of ICT' JOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING 18, (3) 367-378 Author Site , DOI

Waite SJ 2002 ''"A commitment that we couldn't walk away from": An evaluation of the Devon Pilot Projects of Inclusion'' Inclusion Newsletter, Devon LEA

Waite SJ 2002 'A commitment that we couldn't walk away from": An evaluation of the Devon Pilot Projects of Inclusion'' Inclusion Newsletter

Waite SJ & Halstead M 2002 ''Worlds Apart': the Sexual Values of Boys and Girls' Education and Health 17, (1) 17-23

Waite SJ & Halstead M 2001 ''Living in Different Worlds': gender differences in the developing sexual values and attitudes of primary school children' Sex Education 1, (1) 59-76

Waite SJ & Halstead M 2001 'Nurturing the Spiritual in Children's Sexual development' International Journal of Children's Spirituality 6, (2) 185-206

Editorial comments

Rea T & Waite S 2009 'International perspectives on outdoor and experiential learning' 37, (1) 1-4 Author Site

Books

Waite S 2011 Children Learning Outside the Classroom. London SAGE Publisher Site

Chapters

Gilchrist M, Passy R, Waite S & Cook R 2016 'Exploring schools' use of natural spaces' in Freeman C; Tranter P Risk, Protection, Provision and Policy Singapore Springer 1-22 , DOI PEARL

Waite SJ & Pratt N 2015 'Situated learning (Learning in Situ). In: James D. Wright (editor-in-chief), International Encyclopaedia for the Social and Behavioural Sciences (2nd edition) Vol 22. Oxford: Elsevier. p5012' in Wright JD International Encyclopaedia for the Social and Behavioural Sciences (2nd edition) Vol 22. 5012-5032 PEARL

Waite S, Passy R & Gilchrist M 2014 'Getting it off PAT: researching the use of urban nature in schools' in Backman E; Humberstone B; Loynes C Urban nature: inclusive learning through youth work and school work. Stockholm: European Outdoor Education Network.

Waite S, Huggins V & Wickett K 2014 'Risky outdoor play: embracing uncertainty in pursuit of learning' in Maynard T; Waters J Exploring Outdoor Play in the Early Years

Waite SJ & Rea T 2012 'Taken over? Schooling and Outdoor Education' in Martin C; Wagstaff M Controversial Issues in Adventure Programming Champaign, IL. Human Kinetics

Waite SJ & Rees S 2011 'Imagination in Steiner early years: practices and potential purposes' in Parker-Rees R Meeting the Child in Steiner Kindergartens An exploration of beliefs, values and practices London Routledge

Waite SJ, Evans J & Rogers S 2011 'A time of change: outdoor learning and pedagogies of transition between Foundation Stage and Year 1' in Waite S Children Learning Outside the Classroom Sage Publications Ltd 50-63

Waite SJ, Gurnett D & La Velle L 2011 'Environmental education in the National Park: Case Studies on Exmoor' in Waite S Children Learning Outside the Classroom from birth to eleven Sage Publications Ltd

Waite SJ 2011 'Making a Difference: learning on a grand scale' in Waite S Children Learning Outside the Classroom Sage Publications Ltd

Waite SJ & Passy R 2011 'School Gardens and Forest Schools' in Waite S Children Learning Outside the Classroom Sage Publications Ltd

Waite SJ & Pratt N 2011 'Theoretical perspectives on learning outside the classroom – relationships between learning and place' in Waite S Children Learning Outside the Classroom Sage Publications Ltd 1-18

Waite SJ, Cutting R, Cook R, Burnett J & Opie M 2009 'Learning outside the classroom: environments for experiential enrichment' in Nygaard C; Holtham C; Courtney N Improving Students’ Learning Outcomes Copenhagen CBS Press

Waite SJ, Boyask R, Lawson H & Carter R 2009 'Concepts and patterns of diversity: Mapping efforts to address learning and diversity in English schools' Educational Enactments in a Globalised World: Intercultural Conversations, Rotterdam Sense

Waite SJ & Rea T 2007 'Enjoying teaching and learning outside the classroom' in Hayes D Joyful Teaching and Learning in the Primary School

Waite SJ 2005 'Personalising ICT' in Wheeler S Transforming Primary ICT Exeter Learning Matters

Waite SJ & Davis B 0 'The contribution of free play and structured activities in Forest School to learning beyond cognition: an English case' in Ravn B; Kryger N Learning beyond Cognition Copenhagen the Danish University of Education

Conference Papers

Boyask RA, Donkin A, Lawson H & Waite S 2010 'Researching diversity for policy: Outcomes from a partnership project' Conference for Applied Intercultural Research University of Graz, Graz, Austria 07/04/2009 10/04/2009

Waite SJ, Boyask R, Lawson H & Carter R 2008 'Concepts of diversity in the UK: Person-centred methodological approaches to tracking identity formation within education' Cunningham P; Ross A Reflecting on Identities: Research, Practice & Innovation, Proceedings of the tenth Conference of the Children’s Identity and Citizenship in Europe Thematic Network 01/01/2009 01/01/2009 London CiCe

Waite SJ, Nichols M, Opie M & Evans J 0 'Methods for exploring how pedagogies are shaped in outdoor contexts' Conference Proceedings of The Fourth International Outdoor Education Research Conference La Trobe University, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia 15/04/2009 18/04/2009

Waite SJ 0 'Outdoor learning for children aged 2-11: perceived barriers, potential solutions' Conference Proceedings of The Fourth International Outdoor Education Research Conference La Trobe University, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia 15/04/2009 18/04/2009

Waite SJ 0 'Teaching and learning outside the classroom: opportunities and challenges for alternative pedagogy' Action 9th International Conference of EAEN Cucorova, Turkey 28/06/2007 30/06/2007

Reports

Waite SJ, Parkinson G, Blackwell I, Martignetti D, Blandon C & Moyeed R 2015 What do children learn when camping?: perceptions of parents, children and teachers.

Goodenough A, Norris V & Waite SJ 2015 Good from Woods : Final report to the Big Lottery.

Waite SJ, Blandon C & Quinn J 2014 Long term impacts of the Young Champion Experience with Exmoor National Park Authority.

Aronsson J, Tighe-Clark M & Waite SJ 2014 Woodland Health for Youth (WHY): physical wellbeing derived from woodland activity.

Waite SJ, Kelly O & Edwards-Jones A 2012 Assessment in outdoor contexts.

Waite SJ, Evans J & Rogers S 2012 Educational Opportunities From Outdoor Learning As Children Begin The Primary Curriculum.

Waite SJ 2010 Final Report for Exmoor National Park Authority Sustainable Development Fund. Contribution of the Exmoor Curriculum to Rural Young People’s Educational Achievement and Environmental Awareness Exmoor National Park Authority Sustainable Development Fund

Waite SJ, Lawson H & Boyask R 2009 Report for Plymouth City Council on Young People’s Conceptualisations of Diversity project. Young People’s Conceptualisations of Diversity project Plymouth City Council

Boyask RA, Lawson H, Waite S & Donkin A 2009 The Diversity Project: Summary Report on Findings: Focus Group Evening. University of Plymouth; University of Exeter; Plymouth City Council

Rees TJ, Boyask R, Gristy C, Knowler H, Murphy M, Rae T & Waite S 2009 The role of schooling in furthering the aspirations of and for young people in rural communities: Understanding contexts for educational change.

Waite SJ 2008 Report to Faculty Executive Group on Research Networks and other forms of support for research in the Faculty of Education. Research Networks and other forms of support for research in the Faculty of Education

Waite SJ, Davis B & Brown K 2006 Final report: Forest School principles: why we do what we do. EYDCP

Waite SJ & Davis B 2006 Sowing seeds: inspirations for developing outdoor provision. The Great Outdoors: exploring outdoor spaces for children aged 0-14

Waite SJ 2006 Final report for Dorset Local Authority (LA): Factors that pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) consider make a difference to their education in Dorset’s Out County Residential (OCR) or Local Authority (LA) specialist provision.

Waite SJ 2006 Final report for Dorset Local Authority (LA): Out of County Residential (OCR) provision for pupils with behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties (BESD).

Waite SJ, Davis B & Brown K 2006 Final report: Current Practice and Aspirations for Outdoor learning for 2-11 year olds in Devon. EUDCP

Waite SJ, Davis B & Brown K 2006 Final report: Five stories of outdoor learning from settings for 2-11 year olds in Devon. EYDCP

Waite SJ, Carrington V & Passy R 2005 Evaluation of Excellence and Enjoyment: Learning and teaching in the primary years continuing professional development materials. Second Interim Report, report for Primary National Strategy

Waite SJ, Carrington V & Passy R 2005 Evaluation of Excellence and Enjoyment: Learning and teaching in the primary years continuing professional development materials. Final Report, report for Primary National Strategy

Waite SJ & Davis B 2005 Forest Schools: an evaluation of the opportunities and challenges in Early Years. Final Report, report for funding bodies, Devon EYDCP (zero14plus) and the Forest Education Initiative EYDCP

Waite SJ, Carrington V & Passy R 2004 Evaluation of Excellence and Enjoyment: Learning and teaching in the primary years continuing professional development materials. First Interim report, report for Primary National Strategy

Waite SJ 2004 School based tutor evaluation. Report for Centre for British Teachers

Waite SJ & Davis B 2004 Teaching And Learning Research Skills Through Collaborative Research In Early Childhood Studies. Final Report for University of Plymouth Teaching Fellowship

Waite SJ, Lawson H & Robertson C 2003 Curriculum guidelines for 14-19 year olds with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties. Qualifications and Curriculum Authority

Waite SJ 2002 Computers and Literacy Teaching Feedback. Report of survey sent to participating schools

Waite SJ & Bromfield C 2002 Evaluation of achievements of the project and the good practice generated. Final Report, Devon Inclusion Project, University of Plymouth, report to Devon LEA

Waite SJ & Bromfield C 2001 The process of inclusion: factors influencing good practice. nterim Report 2, Devon Inclusion Project, University of Plymouth, report to Devon LEA

Waite SJ & McShane S 2000 The setting up of the projects and early emerging issues. Interim Report 1, Devon Inclusion Project, University of Plymouth, report to Devon LEA

Waite SJ 1999 Report on the audit of the City of Plymouth’s early years and child care services. report for City of Plymouth unitary authority Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership

Waite S, Evans J, Rogers S, Simmons BR & Spalding N 0 Opportunities afforded by the outdoors for alternative pedagogies as children move from Foundation Stage to Year 1: Final report to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Faculty of Education, University of Plymouth, with University College Plymouth, St. Mark and St. Johns (MARJONs), and the Institute of Education, University of London.

Personal

Other academic activities

1. OUTDOOR AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

· learning outside the classroom from early years to higher education.

2. PERSON-CENTRED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

· young people’s understandings of difference in their schooldays

· inclusive practice from multiple perspectives.

Profiles

Visiting Research Fellow

Plymouth Institute of Education (Faculty of Arts and Humanities)