Additional Contact Information
Qualifications
- MA: Outdoor Education
University of Wales, Trinity St David, 2012–2015 - Professional: PGCE Secondary (Science and outdoor Activities)
1999–2000 - BSc: Marine Biology
School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, 1995–1998
Teaching and Supervision
Graham’s main role is in coordinating and teaching on the PGCE secondary (outdoor activities) but he also teaches on and contributes to the modules below:
PGCE (Primary and Secondary):
XPE/C 4212/4211 Professional, pedagogical and core studies
XPE/C 4214/4213 Subject studies (science and ODA)
XPE/C 3220 School experience
BA Childhood and youth studies–
XAE 3035 Safeguarding children
XAE 2037 The child outdoors
BA QTS Primary education
XCE-1211 - Professional and Pedagogical 1
XCE-1212 - Core Studies 1 (20)
XCE-1214 - Subject Studies 1.2 (20)
XCE - 2214 Subject studies 2.2
XCE - 3212 - Research methods/Dissertation
XCE/XCC - 3213 Subject studies 3.2 (Outdoor learning)
MA Education studies
XME 4095 Placement school experience
XME 4001 Research methods in education
Dissertation supervisor
XME-4312 Advanced reserach and enquiry skills
Research Interests
MA Thesis: Models of outdoor education provision in North Wales
PhD (ongoing): How can a pedagogical model for outdoor and adventurous activities be implemented within the physical education curriculum?
Publications
2024
- E-pub ahead of printOutdoor learning across the curriculum: by Simon Beames, Peter Higgins, Robbie Nicol, and Heidi Smith, Routledge, 2023, 186 pp., 26.99 (paperback) GBP ISBN
French, G., 2 Sept 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning: Inter-national Perspectives
North, C., Hills, D., Maher, P., Farkic, J., Zeilmann, V., Waite, S., Takako, T., Prince, H., Pedersen Gurholt, K., Muthomi, N., Njenga, D., Karaka-Clarke, T. H., Houge Mackenzie, S. & French, G., Jan 2024, In: Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. 24, 1, p. 123-140
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2023
- PublishedA place-based pedagogy for outdoor education
French, G., Edwards, A., Martin, I. & Tatam, J., 1 Dec 2023, Encountering Ideas of Place in Education. Rawlings-Smith, E. & Pike, S. (eds.). Routledge, p. 78-90
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - PublishedChild poverty in Wales: Exploring the challenges for schooling future generations: The work of academic partners
French, G., 28 Jun 2023, WISERD annual conference 2023.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review - PublishedOutdoor Learning Policy, Advocacy and Lobbying in Wales
French, G., 1 Nov 2023, Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning, 103, p. 9-10 2 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedOutdoor learning: addressing student alienation & disengagement by building social capital
French, G. & Howard, C., 15 Jul 2023, Child Poverty in Wales: Exploring the challenges for schooling future generations. Beckett, L. (ed.). University of Wales Press
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - PublishedTeaching and learning in the outdoors: The current state of outdoor learning in schools in Wales
French, G., Jones, C., Parry, D., McQueen, R., Boulton, P., Horder, S., Rhys-Jones, K., Sheriff, L., Sheen, E. & Formby, L., Sept 2023, Welsh Government. 40 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report › peer-review - PublishedTowards a critical understanding of Wales’ present for future generations
French, G., Beckett, L., Hughes, C. & Thirsk, G., 15 Jul 2023, Child poverty in Wales: Exploring the Challenges for Schooling Future Generations. Beckett, L. (ed.). University of Wales Press
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - Published“My picture is not in Wales”: Pupils’ Perceptions of Cynefin (Belonging) in Primary School Curriculum Development in Wales
Chapman, S., Ellis, R., Beauchamp, G., Sheriff, L., Stacey, D., Waters-Davies, J., Lewis, A., Jones, C., Griffiths, M., Chapman, S., Wallis, R., Sheen, E., Crick, T., Lewis, H., French, G. & Atherton, S., 17 Nov 2023, In: Education 3-13. 51, 8, p. 1214-1228 15 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2022
- PublishedInterrogating authenticity in outdoor education teacher education: by Chris North, Singapore, Springer, 2020, 240 pp., GBP 87.50 (eBook), ISBN 978-981-15-2176-8
French, G., Jul 2022, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 22, 3, p. 271-273 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedThe epistemological challenges of evaluating the effectiveness of a pedagogical model for adventure education
French, G., Wainwright, N. & Williams, A., 19 Jul 2022.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedThe impact of outdoor learning on the health and well-being of children in Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic
French, G., Parry, D., Jones, C., Horder, S., Mahoney, N., Moody, J. & Rhys-Jones, K., 21 Jul 2022.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
2021
- PublishedThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wales on the health and wellbeing of learners and practitioners, including the implications for initial teacher education.
French, G., Parry, D., Horder, S., Rhys Jones, K., Moody, J., Jones, C. & Mahoney, N., 12 Jul 2021, Welsh Government.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
2020
- PublishedGrowing Tomorrow's Teachers Together: The CaBan Initial Teacher Education Partnership
Griffiths, J., Bamber, S., French, G., Bethan, H., Jones, G., Jones, R. C., Jones, S. W., Maelor, G., Wordsworth, H. J. & Hughes, C., 1 May 2020, In: Wales Journal of Education. 22, 1, p. 209-231 23 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2018
- PublishedCultural education through outdoor education
Arwel Phillips & French, G., 2018, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 80, p. 10-13 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedCultural education through outdoor education
Arwel Phillips & French, G., 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedGoing pro: Point of view cameras in adventure sports research
French, G., Sept 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - PublishedHow to...Stretch groups in mountain biking - Trials for trails part 2
French, G., 2018, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 84, p. 10-12 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedMore than Lifeproof: current trends and future learning in outdoor and adventurous activities
French, G., Oct 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedMore than Lifeproof; developing digital competence through outdoor learning
French, G., Sept 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedThinking outside the Otterbox: developing digital competence in outdoor learning
French, G., Nov 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
2017
- PublishedHow can a pedagogical model for outdoor and adventurous activities be implemented with the physical education curriculum?
French, G., 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - PublishedThe Mountain Bike Leader's Handbook
French, G., Apr 2017, Lightning Source UK. 152 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Book - PublishedTrials for trails - part 1
French, G., 2017, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 79, p. 10-13 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2016
- PublishedGoPro or No-no?
French, G., 2016, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 76, p. 18-21 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedGoing pro: Point of view cameras in adventure sports research
French, G., 1 Apr 2016, In: Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education. 19, 1, p. 2-9 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedPedagogical models for outdoor education
French, G., 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedSUPer cool or just a fad? The benefits and practicalities of stand up paddling
Jack Galloway & French, G., 2016, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 74
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2015
- PublishedThe relationship between music and outdoor education
French, G., 2015, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 69, p. 6-9 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2014
- PublishedOutdoor education in Wales: a return to dark days or a brighter future?
French, G., 2014, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 66, p. 28-31 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2013
- PublishedDoes mountain biking have a place in multi-activity programmes?
French, G., 2013, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 61, p. 8-11 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedProgression in paddlesports activities
French, G., 2013, In: Horizons: Professional development in outdoor learning. 64, p. 16-17 2 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Activities
2023
- Uwchgynhadledd Ieuenctid ar Iechyd Meddwl
Mental Health and Wellbeing Summit
10 Nov 2023
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Participant)
2018
- Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning (Journal)
1 Jan 2018 →
Activity: Publication peer-review (Editorial board member)
Projects
-
01/11/2021 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)
Other Grants and Projects
£55,000 Sport Wales Physical literacy project
£25,000 Welsh Government funded - The impact of Covid 19 on the health and well-being of learners and teachers
£20,000 Welsh Government funded - The current state of outdoor learning in Wales
Personal
Graham is a senior lecturer in education and currently the deputy head of the School of Educational Sciences and the international coordinator. He has previously held the roles of both director (2015-2019) and deputy director (2014-2015) for the PGCE Secondary course and been the school's postgraduate lead (2019-2021). He began teaching at residential outdoor education centres whilst studying for his first degree at Bangor, and went on to work for several local authority centres and later national centres, working as a freelance instructor in outdoor education. He has travelled widely and gained experiences on expeditions across Europe, North America and Africa.
Graham returned to Bangor to complete his PGCE in Outdoor Activities and Science, and subsequently worked as a secondary school teacher and latterly FE lecturer in South East London, Wolverhampton, Chester and the West Midlands, teaching a range of subjects including the three sciences, PE, geography, ICT and maths. He has held varying positions in schools from head of faculty, through pastoral director, to being part of the senior leadership team.
Graham joined the School of Education in 2013 to work on the PGCE secondary outdoor activities course, and his research activities and interests are within this field. He completed an MA in Outdoor Education with distinction and is currently researching towards a PhD, both with the University of Wales, Trinity St. David, Carmarthen.
Graham is currently an accredited practitioner of the Institute of Outdoor Learning (IOL). He is currently the chair of the IOL Cymru regional committee, and also chairs the North Wales region and sits on the national executive of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC). He is a coopted member of the outdoor education advisers' panel Cymru, chair of the steering group for the Outdoor Partnership (North Wales), chair of the board of Snowdonia Active and vice chair of trustees of the Christan Mountain Centre.
Graham holds a range of high-level national governing body awards in various outdoor and adventurous activities and is a coach educator for Canoe Wales and trainer/assessor for the Mountain Bike Instructor award scheme. He is a first aid trainer and assessor and regularly runs first aid qualification courses for students and staff at the School of Education.
Graham is the Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme technical advisor for several national activity providers and works as a consultant for several schools and activity providers in relation to operating procedures and risk management strategies.
Graham has worked as an external examiner/consultant for Worcester University’s BA Primary education with outdoor education course, the University of Cumbria's undergraduate and postgraduate adventure programmes and University of the Highlands and Islands' outdoor degree programmes. He is currently an external examiner for the Physical education and outdoor education degrees at Leeds Beckett University and Newquay University Centre Cornwall College's coastal adventure foundation degree programmes.
Graham sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, representing the Institute of Outdoor Learning, the professional organisation for outdoor practitioners in the UK.