WELCOME
Get Outside the Classroom was discovered in the Spring of 2016 after the director Mark Harnden believed he could deliver an enhanced experiences on his own. Mark set out to use his passion as a teacher, and experience as a manager of a local Authority Outdoor Education Centre, to deliver safe, quality outdoor programmes that meet the needs of the schools and children seeking real outdoor learning.
All programmes are designed around your needs; no two schools, or even classes year on year, are the same. We use our experience and knowledge of the outdoors to adapt to changing conditions, and the needs of your group.
Get Outside the Classroom has three employees that are all working behind the scenes to ensure we can pull everything together for our fantastic freelance team of Instructors. Each of whom have been chosen for their qualifications, experience, and adaptability. Whatever you’re aims, we’re confident we can deliver, and at both a transparent and affordable price.
Meet the team
Mark Harnden - Company Director and Founder
Jen Maxfield - Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
Mark Harnden - Company Director and Founder
"I’ve been working in Outdoor Education for over 25 years and since establishing Get Outside the Classroom in 2016 am proud of how the company has grown and brilliant team of staff we have working with us. I truly believe the Outdoors is the best place to engage and allow our next generation to thrive. I’m passionate about what we do, why
"I’ve been working in Outdoor Education for over 25 years and since establishing Get Outside the Classroom in 2016 am proud of how the company has grown and brilliant team of staff we have working with us. I truly believe the Outdoors is the best place to engage and allow our next generation to thrive. I’m passionate about what we do, why and how we do it. Without doubt the best part of year is undoubtedly our busy summer where I at last get a chance to escape the laptop and work with young people in the Outdoors again."
Adam Derrick - Camp Activity Lead
Jen Maxfield - Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
Mark Harnden - Company Director and Founder
"I have been fortunate to have been playing, studying and working in the outdoors for a number of years. Whether it’s taking people on their first experience of adventurous outdoor activities or building life skills through exploring different remote settings. In my role I aim to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors and help individuals grow from their experiences."
Jen Maxfield - Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
Jen Maxfield - Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
Jen Maxfield - Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
" I have been an outdoor pursuits instructor for 14 years. My job is awesome as I get to be outside everyday! I am passionate about sharing the great outdoors with everyone, making our beautiful natural environment accessible. From the beginning of a partici-pant's DofE Award to their completion, it is humbling to be part of a young adult
" I have been an outdoor pursuits instructor for 14 years. My job is awesome as I get to be outside everyday! I am passionate about sharing the great outdoors with everyone, making our beautiful natural environment accessible. From the beginning of a partici-pant's DofE Award to their completion, it is humbling to be part of a young adult's chal-lenge. The people, the weather, the location- everyday is different for me. Also, I really don't mind sleeping in a tent- it's quite peaceful!"
Steve Mattock - Canoe Expedition Lead
Steve Mattock - Canoe Expedition Lead
Jen Maxfield - Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
“Since I was a young person I have been privileged to have been given opportuni-ties to take part in adventurous outdoor activities. This participation has been a constant ever since and I have always enjoyed sharing these experiences with other people. I really believe that getting people outdoors is fantastic for their health, wellbeing and offers great opportunities for learning.”
Becky Williams - Administrator
Steve Mattock - Canoe Expedition Lead
Becky Williams - Administrator
"I have been very fortunate for the last 7 years to work for Get Outside the Classroom. Although I run the admin side of things you might see me visiting camp, which is great, as I get to see how excited everyone is participating in the activities we run for them and having an adventure camping with their friends. I really enjoy speaking
"I have been very fortunate for the last 7 years to work for Get Outside the Classroom. Although I run the admin side of things you might see me visiting camp, which is great, as I get to see how excited everyone is participating in the activities we run for them and having an adventure camping with their friends. I really enjoy speaking to people so if you have any questions about how we can help your school or organisation organise a camp, activity day or DofE expedition please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me."