What makes us different?
“All of Outspark’s facilitators were both professional and respectful at all times - they are experts in their field, which makes a tremendous difference to the quality of the provision on offer. I can’t recommend Outspark enough!” Head of Sixth Form, Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School.
We take the stress out of running DofE expeditions.
What we know is that schools can find it hard to run DofE, as it takes a lot of planning, organising and running. Risk assessments, route planning, campsite booking, getting staff to give up their weekends, teaching navigation and campcraft, etc.
There is a lot to do.
And schools already have a lot to do! We know: we are ex-Teachers and School DofE co-ordinators and you can believe us when we say that we understand the time pressures school staff are all under. Schools can ask so much of the staff willing to help, or have to limit places - which means students who are slow to get organised - the ones who need DofE most - can find all the places are already gone.
But we know that DofE is brilliant and worthwhile for everybody. So what to do?
Well, we at Outspark have the solution. We can make providing the DofE Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold achievable. In fact, not just achievable, but fun. And challenging. And brilliant!
We’ll come in and run a launch assembly at your school.
We’ll help with team formations and equip the young people with some knowledge before the first training event.
We’ll give you parent information letters to hand out.
We’ll organise online consent and medical information gathering.
We’ll be at the end of a phone or email to answer your questions and make everything (well, everything to do with your DofE expedition) better.
So let’s get cracking..
Whether it’s a Bronze, Silver or Gold (or all three) expedition that you would like us to organise with you, you’ll find out more information on this website. All of our expeditions are brilliant; ran by experienced and compassionate staff, led in beautiful locations, with the knowledge and planning to make them challenging, attainable and safe. So give us a call, email or complete the enquiry form on the Contact & Book page. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Alex Bryant
Operations Manager
Alex has supported thousands of young people to thrive and develop in the natural environment. Starting his career in East Sussex, Alex worked for an outdoor education charity taking children and young people climbing, canoeing, on woodland adventure walks and learning team skills. He also specialised in supporting young people from deprived backgrounds in London, accessing the countryside and upland locations for adventurous weekends away.
Alex then co-ordinated the Duke of Edinburgh Award at his next school, and this valuable experience led to his appointment as operations manager at outdoor education company Outspark.
Away from work, Alex enjoys country walks with his wife and dog, Bence, along the South Downs, plays golf and travels. Alex has had the pleasure of visiting Peru, New Zealand, Europe and Vietnam. And this spirit of adventure shines through whilst working with young people for Outspark.
Jenny Cusick
Deputy Operations Manager
Jenny’s passion for the outdoors began at school, completing her Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.
She worked in schools for 14 years developing a love for education and learning. Alongside teaching, she spent her spare time volunteering with local D of E groups helping other young people to achieve their awards.
During her teaching career Jenny was a SENCO, deputy head and teacher governor but she decided to move into outdoor education 8 years ago.
Combining her passion for the outdoors and love of learning, Jenny became an outdoor instructor taking groups on activities such as climbing, abseiling, caving, team building, archery and mountain biking.
Working at outdoor education centres in Somerset and Wales, and having spent some time working for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity, she has worked with a wide range of groups supporting and encouraging them out of their comfort zones and helping them to push their limits.
Jenny loves sharing her knowledge and drive with others and watching young people grow and develop in the outdoor environment. Jenny enjoys adventures in her camper van with her partner and rescue dog. She also loves crafts and can often be found knitting or crocheting on a mountain or beside a river.
Jason Buckley
Managing Director
Jason is one of the world’s leading authorities on Philosophy for Children (P4C) and educating the more able.
He is founder and director of The Philosophy Man, the UK’s leading independent provider of P4C training. Over 17,000 teachers receive his P4C resource bulletin and he is a sought-after speaker for educational conferences and events.
He also set up Outspark: supporting schools to deliver the expedition element of the Duke Edinburgh Award.
Alongside philosophy and outdoor education, Jason is also Director of GIFT, which runs residential trips for gifted and talented young people.
Jason’s passion for learning outside the classroom, combined with his energy and drive, means he will probably never retire from working with young people. His experience, knowledge and enthusiasm is a great asset to Outspark and is a huge part of our journey to enrich the lives of children and young people.
Tim Davis
Development Coordinator
Tim cut his outdoors teeth in the wilds of West Virginia as a white-water rafting guide, canoe leader and climbing instructor. Working with American and international children, Tim would lead multi-day adventures, often wild camping by the river or near the rock face.
Back in the UK, Tim worked for the outdoor education industry in the North Pennines and East Sussex. Then, working for a London-based charity, Tim discovered a passion for facilitating adventurous experiences for children and young people living in areas of high deprivation and low opportunity.
He took a lead role in organising and running residential trips, and has supported thousands of young people who may not have ordinarily enjoyed that type of experience.
It was in East Sussex that Tim met his wife and had his two children, Marmaduke and Woody. Tim works for Outspark part-time and is also live-at-home Dad.
A desire to see children and young people have adventurous experiences, enjoy time outside the classroom and learn more about themselves drives Tim’s motivation and passion working for Outspark.
FAQ’s
Due to our bespoke DofE expedition offer, it’s probably best to send us an email and have a chat. But if time is tight and you need some answers sharpish, then why not have a look below at our “frequently asked questions”? These have been compiled from school staff, parents and EVC’s. Maybe they can help. And if they can’t, then please get in touch.
