Caroline Jarvis, Lecturer in Childhood Practice

West Lothian College

I am a childhood practice lecturer at West Lothian College, and I believe I am an outstanding lecturer who provides a nurturing environment for my students to overcome barriers, thrive and achieve their potential. I connect with students and bring out the best in them with my empathy, kindness, and interest in each as an individual, and I consistently win cross-college student-nominated awards.

The passion in my role shines through in my creative approaches to learning and teaching- and acknowledged as a leader in Scotland on outdoor pedagogy, the college’s forest classrooms are always busy with full-time students working with local nursery and primary children. Out of school hours, I deliver Forest Kindergarten training to West Lothian primary teachers and early years practitioners.

I am an environmental champion and have led West Lothian College’s annual college-wide UN Sustainable Development Goals Teach In. The four-day event saw 620 West Lothian primary pupils and their teachers get involved in outdoor activities, den building and woodworking, while incorporating the 17 sustainability goals.

Top 3 Learnings

1. We worked with colleagues from each facility on campus to demonstrate how SDGs are relevant to everyone.
2. We integrated assessments for students to provide real life examples to embed SDGs.
3. We utilised meta skills, which are part of our inner development goals, as opportunities for growth.