Personal Profile
LEADING Practitioner Holder - NEIL WILSON
Who are you?
Neil Wilson, Warwickshire County Council, Outdoor Education Service
Tell us about your most rewarding experience of outdoor learning.
Accidentally capsizing a canoe with 2 students on board whilst in directly in front of Prince Andrew, a host of dignitaries and the TV camera's. To then see the capsize brought to life on the news later in the day. How to eat humble pie with dignity!!
Seriously - many magic moments whilst working with young people especially in wilderness areas or overseas on expeditions. Awe, wonder and achievement. Memories to last a life time.
What is your favourite piece of equipment/kit?
Anything new and shiny. No purpose or need required!
Outdoor learning is your career but how much of your spare time is spent in outdoor activities?
What spare time! There is never enough. I remember in my youth (relative to now) when there appeared to be less pressures on personal time and plenty of time for play. I still try to keep my hand in occasionally either linked loosely through work or via other opportunities when they arise.
Can you offer one piece of key advice to someone on outdoor learning as a career?
Enjoy every moment and take every opportunity available for personal development/new experience/consolidation and don't forget why you started your career in outdoor learning.
Is there a message you would like to get across to the decision makers in education/government?
Support local authority outdoor education or lose it in it's current format. Act before it is too late! We have the research and evidence which demonstrates the power of our work. Give us the means to deliver low cost/high quality activity.
How do you see your future role in relation to being a holder of LPIOL and the influence that you might be able to bring to bear in the outdoor field?
I would like to think that I can act as an advocate for the IOL's professional development programme having undertaken the process. To be able to offer support and guidence. As an individual and with colleagues I hope to continue to champion outdoor learning both to lever and influence decision makers.
And Finally.....
Question Time or Top Gear?
Easy - Top Gear with David Dimbleby as the star in a car - a little slice of culture in a testosterone laden feast fit for all petrolheads. Well the cinematography is award winning.