The Ringsfield HallTrust is closely associated with, and uses material from, two other educational bodies whose aims and ethos are very close to our own. Earth Education and Mantle of the Expert.
Earth Education is described as:-The process of helping people to live more harmoniously and joyously with the natural world
Earth Education is based on giving learners a participatory role in every activity. Trainers act with learners rather than upon them, and motivation comes from magic and adventure, with a sense of wonder and the excitement of discovery for both trainer and learner. This, not threats and withholding rewards, will, he believeskeep learners engaged. ‘If your learners are losing interest, you need to ask yourself what you are doing wrong’.
The magic of learning
What is this magic in living and learning that we believe is so important? Words can never convey the real scope of this idea. It is an undefinable quality which holds the various components of Erath Education together, and then transforms them into something which is far more than the sum of the parts.
It is exhilarating joy
It is simple fun
It is excitement, enthusiasm and eagerness
It is a pinch of fantasy and a pound of adventure
It is usually part of an emotional rather than an analytical response
It’s an ‘Oh, WOW!’ perhaps followed by an ‘Aha!’
It is frequently shared
It is something tied up with caring, with someone doing something for someone else.
It is often part of a feeling of flowing with things – not being pushed, but pulled, by the event, the happening.
It is an intense involvement: a loss of self consciousness and time structuringIt is delight in the moment.
Earth Education programmes aim to teach people how the planet works, and how to take care of it through a carefully crafted series of learning experiences which….
Motivate and pull the learners in
Emphasise major ecological understandings
Involve exciting tasks that are both ‘hands on’ and ‘minds on’
Weave activities together with a clear, easily remembered formula to aid comprehension and retention
And by;
The sense of community that is created during the programme
Providing individuals with time to be alone in natural settings where they can reflect upon all life through activities like Magic Spots and contemplation:-
The childhood memories of those who care deeply about the environment often consist of time spent outdoors; in the country, or with their vegetable patch, walking in the woods, building dens or playing in puddles. As children they enjoyed watching a bird feed its young, the fragrance of a herb garden, the delicacy of freshly picked strawberries, or the fragrance of freshly hulled peas. They experienced the wonder of nature, the magic of a butterfly slipping out of its cocoon, or the beauty of a wildflower meadow.
All activities at Ringsfield take place outdoors in our lovely grounds and include hands on activities; often based on Earth Education which helps people understand how ecosystems work, develops a lasting love and respect for the natural world, and teaches how to reduce our impact on its natural resources. There are also be elements of craft and play as part of the day, to encourage healthy physical activity, and develop creativity and cooperation
