Angela Garden
School of Education
Faculty of Arts Professional and Social Studies
Email: A.S.Garden@ljmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0151 231 5377
Ange Garden is Head of Education Studies. She is a member of the Senior Management Team within the School of Education overseeing a suite of programmes within the subject area of ECC including Programme Leadership for BA (Hons) Education and Primary Studies. She has a background in Psychology. . As Employability Lead, Ange leads the programme of employability enrichment opportunities afforded to students; managing links with a wide range of local schools and partner organisations.
Areas of interest and teaching include the psychology of education, nature, sustainability, wellbeing, mental health, therapeutic approaches and multi-disciplinary working with children and families. After establishing the first Northwest University Forest School, we established a city-centre ‘Natural Curriculum Hub’ offering training in outdoor primary education to students and educators. Ange recently received a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the promotion of sustainability in Research and Knowledge Exchange (2022). She is a Visiting Fellow at Oslo Met University and manages month-long placements for students in their outdoor kindergartens.
Ange's PhD explores the under-theorised pedagogy of the benefits of ‘space’ and ‘risk’ in outdoor learning environments such as Forest Schools. She explores the benefits of Forest Schools and nature for wellbeing and discusses alternative outdoor spaces in explorations of risk. Ange presents a pedagogical framework for therapeutic practitioners informed by the lens of Forest School pedagogies and practice positting the case for space and the child or student outdoors. She is keen to think beyond the indoor classroom and explores creative ways to engage students in their learning and assessments.
As a trained Therapeutic Forest School Leader, Ange oversees the LJMU Thrive in the Forest Qualification as well as an outdoor volunteering programme liaising with a range of partner organisations. She focusses on student mental health and wellbeing and co-led on the development of the university-wide LJMU Student Wellbeing Journal. Ange is co-chair of the Faculty-wide Institute of Health Research (IHR), Mental Wellbeing Interest Group.
Ange is external examiner for the Master's programme in Psychology of Education, University College London Institute of Education and is overseeing the implementation of LJMU's new MSc Psychology in Education (conversion).
Languages
English
Degrees
2015, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, Master of Arts in Advanced Educational Practice (Distinction)
2012, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Practice (Dyslexia)
2005, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
2001, University of Bolton, United Kingdom, Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
1998, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, BA (Hons) Psychology. BPS accredited
Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, PhD by Published Works (in progress)
Certifications
2019, Therapeutic Forest CIC, United Kingdom, L3 Certificate in Outdoor Therapeutic Skills
2016, Mersey Forest, United Kingdom, L3 Forest School Leader Training
Academic appointments
Lecturer in Psychology, Social Sciences, Edge Hill University, 2019 - 2006
Programme Leader, Education and Early Childhood Studies (EECS), Liverpool John Moores University, 2019 - present
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Health and Community, Liverpool John Moores University, 2006 - 2019
Highlighted publications
Garden A. 2024. Foucault and Power: UK Forest School as a socially constructed space for early years teachers and Forest School leaders Education 3-13: the professional journal for primary education, :1-14 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A. 2023. The University Forest School Space in England: taking seminars outdoors for early years undergraduates Education 3-13: International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education, 3 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A. 2023. Constructions of Space: Exploring Photographic Images in Forest School Prism, 5 :97-112 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A, Downes G. 2023. New boundaries, undecided roles: towards an understanding of forest schools as constructed spaces Education 3-13, DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A, Hirst N. 2022. ‘Ikke skade treet': ‘Don’t harm the tree'. Narratives from a Norwegian kindergarten Education 3-13: the professional journal for primary education, :19-19 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A. 2022. An exploration of children’s experiences of the use of digital technology in forest schools Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, :1-15 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Garden ANGELA. 2022. The case for space in the co-construction of risk in UK Forest School Education 3-13 International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education, :1-12 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A, Downes G. 2021. A systematic review of forest schools literature in England Education 3-13: the professional journal for primary education, :1-17 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A. Forest school as a space for risk for children with social, emotional and mental health needs Wood P. Policy, Provision and Practice for Special Educational Needs and Disability Perspectives across Countries :141-153 Routledge 9781000534115 DOI Publisher Url
Journal article
Garden A. 2024. Foucault and Power: UK Forest School as a socially constructed space for early years teachers and Forest School leaders Education 3-13: the professional journal for primary education, :1-14 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A. 2023. The University Forest School Space in England: taking seminars outdoors for early years undergraduates Education 3-13: International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education, 3 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A. 2023. Constructions of Space: Exploring Photographic Images in Forest School Prism, 5 :97-112 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A, Downes G. 2023. New boundaries, undecided roles: towards an understanding of forest schools as constructed spaces Education 3-13, DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A, Hirst N. 2022. ‘Ikke skade treet': ‘Don’t harm the tree'. Narratives from a Norwegian kindergarten Education 3-13: the professional journal for primary education, :19-19 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A. 2022. An exploration of children’s experiences of the use of digital technology in forest schools Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, :1-15 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Garden ANGELA. 2022. The case for space in the co-construction of risk in UK Forest School Education 3-13 International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education, :1-12 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Garden A, Downes G. 2021. A systematic review of forest schools literature in England Education 3-13: the professional journal for primary education, :1-17 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Garden AS. 2018. Exploring the self-esteem of undergraduate students with a diagnosis of dyslexia British Journal of Special Education,
Garden AS. 2008. A Study of Professional Curiosity in Non-Directive Play Therapy and its Link to Attachment. Attachment: New Directions in Psychotherapy and Relational Psychoanalysis, 2 :46-55 Publisher Url
Garden AS. 2006. The Ethics of Researching Children in Non-Directive Play Therapy British Journal of Play Therapy, 2
Naylor AS. 2005. When a child plays Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal, 5 :29-31
Naylor A, Prescott P. 2004. Invisible children? the need for support groups for siblings of disabled children British Journal of Special Education, 31 :199-206 DOI Publisher Url
Naylor AS, Prescott P. 2004. All about my brother Community Care, :34-35 Publisher Url
Conference publication
Robinson L, Garden A. 2024. The co-creation of a university sensory resource hub for neurodiverse students https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/staff/students-at-the-heart/2024-conference/programme, LJMU Students at the Heart 2024
Garden A, Hirst N, Hennessy C, Smith A, Burns D, Turnbull Y. 2023. Storying the [ongoing] journey of the LJMU Wellbeing Journal: making molehills out of mountains by listening to student voices https://openjournals.ljmu.ac.uk/studentexp/article/view/1419, LJMU Students at the Heart Conference DOI Publisher Url
Garden AS. 2016. The impact of a diagnosis of dyslexia on the self-esteem, coping strategies and perceived academic achievement of undergraduate students at one northwest university Liverpool John Moores University Teaching & Learning Conference Public Url
Gallard D, Daly A, Garden A, Mills L, Parry L, Smears E. 2014. Student engagement through academic writing: Process reflections of a community of enquiry British Education Studies Association Annual Conference
Tracy F, McLain M, Garden A, Bodfield K. The Self-Determination of Teachers Post COVID-19 Pandemic British Educational Research Association Conference
Tracy F, Garden A, McLain M. Educators’ Views, Experiences and Preferences for Continuing Professional Development in a Post-COVID Environment British Educational Research Association Conference Publisher Url
Garden A. Taking seminars outdoors in nature: alternative learning spaces in LJMU LJMU Students at the Heart DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Garden A, Hirst N. Developing a Wellbeing Journal at LJMU ‘Better Together: Healthy People and Places’ - LJMU Bi-Centenary Showcase Research Event on Social Innovation, Mental Wellbeing and Green Spaces
Garden A. Children’s Experiences of using Digital Technology in UK Forest Schools. https://www.academics.institute/files/data/fileManager//ICEEPSY-2023-Agenda.pdf, 14th International Conference on Education & Educational Psychology (ICEEPSY) 2023
Garden A. The University Forest School Space in England: Taking seminars outdoors for early years undergraduates Forest School Research Symposium Author Url Publisher Url
Scholarly edition
Daly A, Garden AS, Smears E, Gallard DC. 2014. Early Work by Student Researchers, Spark Author Url
Chapters
Gallard D, Garden A. 2011. The Psychology of Education Dufour B, Curtis W. Studying Education: An introduction to the key disciplines in education studies Open University Press 978-0335241057 Publisher Url
Garden A. Forest school as a space for risk for children with social, emotional and mental health needs Wood P. Policy, Provision and Practice for Special Educational Needs and Disability Perspectives across Countries :141-153 Routledge 9781000534115 DOI Publisher Url
Highlighted activities
Research Grants Awarded:
Liverpool John Moores University, Digital Empathy: Unlocking Cultural Competency and Understanding through Digital Micro Learning and Micro Credentialing for LJMU Staff and Students, Graham Downes, LJMU Fran Tracy, LJMU Matt McLain, LJMU Michael Richter, LJMU Phil Rothwell, LJMU, Angela Garden, LJMU, Grant value (£): £9,978.58, Duration of research project: 1 year. 2024
Liverpool John Moores University QR Funding, Educators’ Views, Experiences and Preferences for Continuing Professional Development in a Post-COVID Environment, Dr Fran Tracy, Matt McLain, Dr Craig Hammond, Dr Avril Rowley, Angela Garden, Dr Anne-Marie Smith, Dr Helen Poole, Dr Kaye Richards., Grant value (£): 1,500, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2022
Conference presentation:
The University Forest School Space in England: Taking seminars outdoors for early years undergraduates, Forest School Research Symposium, University of Liverpool, Oral presentation, https://forestschoolassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Forest-School-Research-Symposium-2024-Program-v2.3.docx.pdf. 2024
Taking seminars outdoors in nature: Alternative learning spaces in Higher Education., BPS Psychology of Education Section Annual Conference, Oral presentation. 2022
Educators’ Views, Experiences and Preferences for Continuing Professional Development in a Post-COVID Environment, BERA, Liverpool, Oral presentation. 2022
Journaling around the campfire: Alternative spaces for wellbeing and mental health in Higher Education, APSS Faculty Research Conference, Liverpool John Moores University, Oral presentation. 2022
Award:
Faculty Winner, Vice Chancellor Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Sustainability in Research and Knowledge Exchange, Liverpool John Moores University. 2022
Professional activities
Award:
Leadership Excellence Award - Recognising a female leader who has shown exceptional leadership skills and has made a substantial impact in her profession, LJMU and Global Visionary Women in Leadership Awards 2024, https://www.globalvisionarywomen.org/. 2024
Young Person Mentorship Certificate of Recognition - In recognition of your dedication, commitment and invaluable contribution as a mentor at the Global Women Leadership Summit 2024, Global Visionary Women Network, https://www.globalvisionarywomen.org/. 2024
Nomination as an Outstanding Woman at LJMU, Diversity and Inclusion Team, Women in Professional Services Network and Women Academics Network, LJMU. 2024
Faculty Winner, Vice Chancellor Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Sustainability in Research and Knowledge Exchange, Liverpool John Moores University. 2022
Vice Chancellor’s Award for Best Programme or Support Team for SPARK student journal editorial team (June 2014), Vice Chancellor’s Award (Liverpool John Moores University). 2014
Research Grants Awarded:
Liverpool John Moores University, Digital Empathy: Unlocking Cultural Competency and Understanding through Digital Micro Learning and Micro Credentialing for LJMU Staff and Students, Graham Downes, LJMU Fran Tracy, LJMU Matt McLain, LJMU Michael Richter, LJMU Phil Rothwell, LJMU, Angela Garden, LJMU, Grant value (£): £9,978.58, Duration of research project: 1 year. 2024
Liverpool John Moores University QR Funding, Educators’ Views, Experiences and Preferences for Continuing Professional Development in a Post-COVID Environment, Dr Fran Tracy, Matt McLain, Dr Craig Hammond, Dr Avril Rowley, Angela Garden, Dr Anne-Marie Smith, Dr Helen Poole, Dr Kaye Richards., Grant value (£): 1,500, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2022
Liverpool John Moores University, Alternative spaces for an inclusive wellbeing curriculum, Nicky Hirst, Claire Hennessy, Avril Rowley, Grant value (£): £1,200, Duration of research project: 2 months. 2021
Liverpool John Moores University, The evaluation and implementation of an inclusive and diverse Student Wellbeing Journal university wide, Nicky Hirst, Claire Hennessy, Avril Rowley, Grant value (£): £1,200, Duration of research project: 2 months. 2020
Conference presentation:
The University Forest School Space in England: Taking seminars outdoors for early years undergraduates, Forest School Research Symposium, University of Liverpool, Oral presentation, https://forestschoolassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Forest-School-Research-Symposium-2024-Program-v2.3.docx.pdf. 2024
The co-creation of a university sensory resource hub for neurodiverse students, LJMU Students at the Heart Conference 2024, Liverpool John Moores University, Oral presentation. 2024
Children's Experiences of using Digital Technology in UK Forest Schools, 14th ICEEPSY International Conference on Education and Educational Psychology, Barcelona, Oral presentation. 2023
The Self-Determination of Teachers Post COVID-19 Pandemic, British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference, Aston University, Aston, Oral presentation. 2023
Taking seminars outdoors in nature: Alternative learning spaces in Higher Education., BPS Psychology of Education Section Annual Conference, Oral presentation. 2022
Educators’ Views, Experiences and Preferences for Continuing Professional Development in a Post-COVID Environment, BERA, Liverpool, Oral presentation. 2022
Journaling around the campfire: Alternative spaces for wellbeing and mental health in Higher Education, APSS Faculty Research Conference, Liverpool John Moores University, Oral presentation. 2022
An Exploration of Children’s Experiences of the Use of Digital Technology in Forest Schools., British Educational Society Association (BESA) Annual Conference, Manchester, Oral presentation. 2022
Same Actors, Undecided Roles: Towards an Understanding of Forest Schools as Sites of Knowledge Construction, British Educational Society Association (BESA) Annual Conference, Manchester, Oral presentation. 2022
The LJMU Wellbeing Journal: Co-creation, Impact and Future Plans, LJMU Students at Heart Conference, Liverpool John Moores University, Oral presentation. 2022
A Powerful Tool for Wellbeing: Embedding Journaling into Daily Student Life., LJMU Teaching and Learning Conference, Liverpool John Moores University, Oral presentation. 2021
The Natural Side of Technology into the Forest School Space, 1st Online International Doctoral Research Conference in Education (CERES), Liverpool John Moores University, Online. 2020
Working with a school nurture group; the benefits of weekly forest school sessions for children with emotional, social and/or behavioural difficulties., 1st International CHILDLIFE Conference Children and Young People in Everyday Life and Professional Practices, Oslo Met University, Oral presentation. 2019
Evaluating LJMU Forest School Programme for Schools: staff and student partnership, LJMU Teaching & Learning Conference, Liverpool John Moores University, Poster presentation. 2019
The impact of a diagnosis of dyslexia on the self-esteem, coping strategies and perceived academic achievement of undergraduate students at one northwest university, EHC Festival of Research 2016, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, Poster presentation. 2016
Therapeutic Approaches to working with children: Research and practice implications from Non-Directive Play Therapy Sessions., LJMU Faculty Research Conference, Liverpool John Moores University, Oral presentation. 2009
Damaged Childhoods: Using Non-Directive Play Therapy as a Process of change in Recovery. Happy, Healthy Children: Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference., LJMU Faculty Research Conference, Liverpool John Moores University, Oral presentation. 2007
Exploring the Concept of 'Professional Curiosity' in Therapeutic work with Children., British Psychology Society, DCP Faculty for Children & Young People Annual Conference, Trinity & All Saints College, Leeds, Oral presentation. 2007
Conference organisation:
Women in Higher Education Leadership: Barriers and Challenges Post-Covid, Conference Chair, https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/women-in-higher-education-leadership-in-nigeria-south-africa-and-the-uk-barriers-and-challenges. 2024
Celebrating Local Black Artists, Conference Co-Organiser, https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/articles/2023/11/3/black-history-month-artists#. 2023
External collaboration:
Liverpool Hope University, Panel Member, Global Women Leadership Summit. 2023
Other Professional Activity:
Hear Me, Don't Blame Me - CYPF Annual Conference 2023, London. 2023
Re-validation panel member for LJMU MSc Health Psychology 2023. 2023
Validation panel member for new LJMU MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology. 2022
Public engagement:
Public consultation, Social care professionals, academics and care-leavers, Participant, Museum of Liverpool, Double Discrimination - Black care-experienced young adults navigating the criminal justice system, Black care-experienced young people in the criminal justice system Barnardos Launch Report, https://www.barnardos.org.uk/research/black-care-experienced-young-adults-in-criminal-justice-system. 2023
External committees:
Educators Steering Group, National Museums Liverpool, Educators Steering Group Member. 2023
Industrial connections:
Lark Lane Community Centre, Partnership for LJMU students providing additional employability qualifications and sensory room experiences, https://larklanecommunitycentre.org/. 2023
Strawberry Field, Employability engagement, https://strawberryfieldliverpool.com/. 2023
Luma Creations, Arts & Cultural Organisation promoting Latin American and Diversity Arts and Artists, Collaborative art projects with LJMU School of Education, https://lumacreations.org/about-us/. 2022
Growing Sudley, Partnership for LJMU Thrive in Forest Qualification providing volunteering for our students., https://growingsudley.com/. 2019
Mersey Forest, LJMU Natural Curriculum Hub, https://www.merseyforest.org.uk/. 2016
Other invited event:
Liverpool John Moores University APSS Employabilty Showcase, Liverpool John Moores University, As School of Education Employability Lead, I presented our Employability and Enterprise Action Plan and the range of student employability enrichment opportunities in the School of Education.. 2023
Teaching, Cultural and Knowledge Exchange, Oslo Met University, Oslo Met University, Norway, Workshop: Forest School and Outdoor Learning in Primary Education. 2022
International Days programme, Oslo Met University, Oslo Met University, Workshop: Forest School, a UK perspective. 2019
Teaching, Cultural and Knowledge Exchange, Oslo Met University, Oslo Met University, Forest School and Outdoor Learning in Primary Education. 2018
Membership of professional bodies:
Member of British Educational Studies Association (BESA), British Educational Studies Association (BESA), https://educationstudies.org.uk/. 2022
Member of Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN), Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN), https://www.ecsdn.org/. 2022
Member of the British Educational Research Association (BERA), British Educational Research Association (BERA), https://www.bera.ac.uk/. 2022
Member of the Forest School Association (FSA), Forest School Association (FSA), https://forestschoolassociation.org/. 2022
Fellowships:
Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, Higher Education Academy. 2014
Teaching qualification:
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). 2002