Jules Hutchison founded #beyondtheschoolgates to share her love of teaching, nature, movement, mental health and well-being.
Jules is currently an experienced Geography teacher (23 years) also Head of Department, Head of Year 7 and 9, and more recently as Head of Outdoor Learning. As well as a mental health advocate and fully qualified mental health first aider she is keen to share her love of nature and learning empowering individuals to shine.
Her passion was Inspired by ‘The Wave Project’ in Cornwall, which works alongside young people to help them develop new skills, confidence and improved self-esteem whilst waiting for treatment for mental health issues such as anxiety, low self-worth and depression.
Jules loves tutoring Geography and sharing her passion for the world around her. She believes every students can achieve if they are well supported and given space and guidance on what is required. Support may not be needed in a specific subject but a more holistic approach starting with organisation taking ownership for your own learning. It is exciting to find out what you can do!
There are many pressures on students today with very little time outside. Research has shown how important fresh air is for young people and many young people spend less time outdoors than a prison inmate (Guardian). This is particularly evident in students of secondary school age where pressures and workloads are high due to public examinations. Education can be so much more than this.
“Nature teaches us that sad times do not last forever, and that just as seasons change, so do the experiences in our lives.”
— Rachel Carson
Her passion is to be able to help individuals through the challenges of school and life providing both academic and pastoral support. She can provide tutoring in Geography up to A-Level as well as general study and revision skills which can be overwhelming. These sessions can be in person or online and time in nature will often be the homework if it cannot be integrated into the session!
Being outside can help people see the world differently and she has found that most students learn better, and thrive mentally and physically from being in nature more and being able to share how they feel in a judgement free and safe space - away from the school and home environment.
She has been inspired by many past students, particularly one very special one, who is no longer with us today whom this website is dedicated to.
“Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing.”
— Mind
And #beyondtheschoolgates was born.
Jules is a member of the The Tutors' Association (TTA). The TTA is the only professional membership body for tutoring and the wider supplementary education sector in the UK and is recognised as such by the UK Government.