High Mowing's Naturalist program is an elective which defies categorization. Combining natural history, anthropology, archaeology, history, woodcraft, survival skills and more, the experience is immeasurably meaningful to students. High Mowing students have have the opportunity to make contact with the natural world, under the careful guidance of teacher Keith Badger, who has led the program for the past 20 years.
Juniors and seniors who are advanced Naturalist students may take a Naturalist Trimester — the ultimate Naturalist course! This full-immersion experience, held in the spring trimester, meets daily and explores the history, science and literature chronicling the human-nature experience. This year's focus is the essence of place.
Exactly how do we define the spaces we occupy and how do they define us? The eleven students enrolled in the Naturalist Trimester are currently exploring that question in England. Undertaking a "long walk," they are following the river Thames from its source to the sea. Their adventure started in London, and the group will walk and camp their way across the UK, learning about the environmental, historical, and literary aspects of the places they pass through on their journey. Along the way, they will study how the people and land influenced each other to create the England of today. Students will chronicle their insights and musings, ultimately experiencing their own personal journey as they undertake the larger outer journey.
Those of us at home can share a little of their experience through the blog they are keeping as they travel. Find it at www.naturalist-trimester.com, and subscribe so you won't miss any post! Comments on their posts are welcome and provide an opportunity to engage with these young travelers.
