A group of teachers from London and Southend swapped their classrooms for the iconic biomes of the Eden Project in a unique professional development initiative focused on wellbeing and innovative teaching.
Beyond the Classroom: A Weekend of Regeneration
Eleven Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in their second year, plus three more experienced colleagues, travelled to Cornwall for the special weekend organised by the Learning in Harmony Trust. The event, held for staff from the trust's 14 primary and special schools, moved away from traditional training models. Instead, it immersed participants in themes of regenerative sustainability, personal regeneration, and renewing teaching practice.
The programme had a strong emphasis on nature-based education, offering practical sessions that demonstrated how the natural world can be harnessed to enrich lessons and support education for sustainable development.
Wellbeing and Community at the Core
Central to the experience was a focus on teacher self-care. Participants engaged in guided wellbeing activities across the Eden site and took part in quiet group coaching sessions. These sessions provided vital space for reflection, helping teachers turn their personal motivations into clear plans for the future.
Equally important was the opportunity for staff from different schools across the trust to connect, share experiences, and build a stronger sense of community.
Voices from the Weekend
Early Career Teacher Stephanie Mkandawire, who took part, said the retreat was transformative. "Stepping away from the classroom helped me reconnect with why I became a teacher," she noted. "It was great to have the chance to share my experiences with other ECTs across the Trust. The weekend left me feeling re-energised and more confident about using nature in my teaching."
Jane Cruickshank, Early Careers Framework Lead at the Learning in Harmony Trust, explained the trust's philosophy. "We’re committed to professional development that supports teachers as whole people," she said. "Experiences like this weekend at the Eden Project give teachers time to build resilience and develop sustainable approaches to their practice. Supporting wellbeing and strong professional communities is central to helping our teachers thrive and continue making a difference for our pupils."
The weekend, which took place recently, represents a growing trend in education to support staff holistically, recognising that teacher wellbeing is directly linked to effective and inspiring classroom practice.
