Where are they now? The Crossfields Institute MSc alumni revisited

Life after the MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education

Masters of Science in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education
Delivered by Crossfields Institute at the Field Centre in Horsley
Accredited by the University of the West of England

Between 2012 and 2016, we saw upwards of 50 students start and (almost all) finish this course with the last graduating at Bristol Cathedral in 2016, and these are just some of them.

So, what are they doing now? This is the first of a series of narratives about some of our alumni…….

Riverside House

Riverside House is a particularly beautiful and ecologically diverse site in the historic heart of Stourbridge. This derelict, early 19th Century, ironworks, was part of a conglomerate that was amongst the largest in the UK. Over the next several years it will be transformed into a heritage centre with gardens, restaurant, crafts shop, woodland and workshops, but also a place where people feel included and bespoke opportunities are provided.

This is a perfect environment that caters for the needs of a wide range of individuals to engage in practical skills activities through the actual conservation and preservation of the Riverside House estate. Practical skills have a proven efficacy in providing outcomes such as improvements in well-being, self-esteem, social inclusivity and physical health.

This is the creation of one of our MSc alumni – Lloyd Stacey – Founder and managing director of Riverside House.

Please watch this short video to see this amazing place for yourself

Relational Arts & Organic Design – an inspiring new course at Emerson College

Relational Arts & Organic Design is an immersive twelve-week course exploring the relational nature of the world in which we live through a rich programme of nature-based crafts, expressive art and observational science The programme is composed of three four-week blocks built around the themes of Enquiry, Creativity & Purpose:

  • Block 1 – Enquiry: 4 x one-week open modules
  • Block 2 – Creativity: 1 four-week open module
  • Block 3 – Purpose: 1 four-week final project

Students can take part on either a full-time or a part-time basis, choosing one or more of the open modules from the first two blocks. Please note: Block 3 (four-week final project) is only open to students who have completed either Block 1 or Block 2.

Find out more:

The Poetics of Leadership Conference. Extended submission deadline

Dear All,

As you might already know, our next conference will take place on the 7th and 8th September 2018 in the Lake District, UK. The title of the conference is The Poetics of Leadership and in it we will explore how creativity, art and story can enable meaningful change in a leadership context.

We have decided to extend the submission deadline for papers and other contributions. The new deadline is the 28th February 2018. Contributions are invited from academics, practitioners and postgraduate students. We would particularly like to encourage contributions that break narrow disciplinary boundaries.

The full submission guidelines can be found in this document. Further details about the conference can be found here.

If you are actively engaged in this field either as practitioner, academic, researcher or student, then we would very much welcome a submission from you. You might also know of others who would be interested, so please do circulate this email as appropriate.

If you would like to be taken off this mailing list do let me know.

Best,
Fergus
fergus@crossfieldsinstitute.com

(On behalf of the conference organisers)

New regulated qualification in Trauma Informed Care

Crossfields Institute and the Novalis Trust are delighted to announce the launch of two Ofqual regulated qualifications in Trauma Informed Care

Crossfields Institute Level 4 Award in Trauma Informed Care
Crossfields Institute Level 4 Certificate in Trauma Informed Care
is now open for registrations.

Trauma theory is a fast developing area, and is emerging as a fundamental influence on best practice in the care of individuals within the care system. Despite increased research in this area, there is little in the way of regulated qualifications across the world and none in the UK.

This qualification is an integral part of the effort to expand understanding of the impact of trauma, and structure and deliver services in a way that are Trauma Responsive.

It is designed to equip learners with the theoretical and practical understanding of Trauma Informed Care. The qualification also supports organisations in ensuring their staff are offering the most appropriate, effective care to the individuals under their responsibility.

Novalis Trust  is a charity that administers a school for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties as well as a long terms residential community with educational and occupational experiences for adults with learning difficulties. As well as providing a support centre where young people and residents can experience a range of therapies, Novalis Professional Services provides training and support to developing care and educational organisations for young people and adults with a range of complex needs and learning difficulties.

Crossfields Institute is a Gloucestershire based education charity, approved by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations in England) as an awarding organisation. The Institute specialises in the development niche qualifications for providers with a particular vision or ethos

  • Any learners who are interested in finding out more about this qualification should contact the course administrator Kate Barnett barnett@novalis-trust.org.uk
  • Any organisations wishing to deliver this qualification should contact the Crossfields Institute Responsible Officer alison@crossfieldsinstitute.com 01453808118

The Science and Art of Composting with Bruno Follador from The Nature Institute

Bruno Follador from the Nature Institute in Ghent, New York talks about his path toward becoming an agricultural researcher focusing on the science and art of compost-making. Bruno takes a qualitative approach to farm-based composting and the importance of developing our sense for what makes good, vital compost. His approach is both pragmatic and inspired, and he encourages us to develop our own sense for what makes for good compost – which will contribute in turn to good soil, good plants and good food!