Patrick Boxall

I am an educator and researcher with primary interests in how critical and creative pedagogies can forward human and eco-centred conceptions of social justice. My areas of specialism are creativity in education, outdoor learning and sustainability, English and Drama.

At QMU I am Project Lead for the creation of the Outdoor Learning Hub. The hub will be a centre for learning, professional development and community activity. I co-lead the delivery of the Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards for education students and staff to develop their outdoor leadership skills. I am engaged in research towards a PhD by publication, that will focus on the importance of creative pedagogy in outdoor learning as enacted by leaders and practitioners.

Prior to joining QMU in 2020 my path as an educator was winding and varied. I began my career as an English and Drama teacher, going on to manage teams in socially and ethnically diverse high schools in Scotland, America and England. During this time, I studied for a Masters in Educational Management and the Scottish Qualification for Headship.  

In 2014 I changed my direction in education and set up social enterprise focused on creative learning. I trained as a Forest School leader and completed research towards an MScRes.  My dissertation was titled, ‘A Good Stick: an inquiry into Creativity in Forest School’.    

I worked as a Further Education lecturer and initiated the Forest College at Newbattle Abbey College in Midlothian. In this role I developed and wrote the Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards and worked with a range of national and community partners to support lifelong learning outdoors.