Matthew Cocks

Background

About Matthew Cocks

I have worked in formal and informal experiential education for the past 23 years, and consider myself an expert in outdoor environmental education curriculum, and project-based learning design. I have pioneered the development of STEAM-based sustainability education programmes and experiences within the education sector of South Africa, the Middle and Far East. I use local research content and cultural context, based on relevant scientific papers, to design exciting, informative and impactful programmes that challenge school students and youth to think critically, develop their 21st century skills, and to focus on the long-term sustainability of our natural world. I have experience in both executive and project management, overseeing the conceptualisation, campus design, business-plan, financial modelling, HR structuring, opening and growing of new Outdoor Education Centres. This also includes programme development, marketing, selling and monitoring and evaluation of each deliverable. I have been responsible for developing, implementing and driving new business plans, operational management plans, and change management processes, to ensure that a specific education facility remains financially sustainable, while delivering relevant programmes for the 21st century student needs. I am a respected education team leader with a proven track record of supporting, training and motivating teachers, field guides, education officers, and camp teams in developing and teaching educational activities. I have an ability to drive continuous improvement across a range of related work activities, and people development programmes I am highly motivated to develop my outdoor education and youth development career by leveraging 23 highly successful years of management, environmental, sustainability, teaching, scientific and outdoor education experience.