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Listen "S3E4: Nurturing Growth Beyond Academics: Insights from Forest School Singapore’s Darren Quek"
Episode Synopsis
In today’s results-driven world, how do we teach children to slow down, connect with nature, and embrace lifelong skills beyond the classroom? Darren Quek, founder of Forest School Singapore, joins Joanne Peh to discuss the bittersweet decision to close the school and the philosophy behind nature-based learning.
They explore how Forest School transforms a child’s growth and resilience, the challenges of running an alternative education program, and the community's reactions. Darren shares advice for urban parents, insights on defining success beyond academics, and his take on hot-button issues like CCTV in preschools.
Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking episode that challenges us to rethink education and what it means to truly nurture the next generation.
For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].
Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.
Follow us on social media:
Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/
What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/
ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/
Chapters:
00:00 Start of Episode
01:54 Introduction of Darren Quek
03:00 Why is Forest School is Closing Down?
06:07 What Does it Mean by Making Forest School Obsolete
07:20 What Exactly Is a Forest School?
08:50 Parents' Concerns: The Dangers and Fears of Forest School
11:40 Core Principles That Differentiate Forest Schools from Traditional Education
12:37 Comparing Forest School Education Methods in Different Countries
15:39 Conflicts That Can Arise in a Forest School
17:09 Darren's Take on Conflicts and Getting Hurt at Forest School
19:01 Can Children Work Through Issues in a Non-Forest Setting?
19:26 The Unique Benefits You Can Gain from Forest School
26:37 The Struggle to Find Locations to Conduct Forest School in Singapore
31:38 Why Can't We Experience Nature in a Real Rustic Forest?
35:05 Darren’s take on the installation of CCTV in Preschools
41:53 Darren on His Evolving Role as a Researcher, Advocate, and Writer
44:05 After-School Activity Tips for Parents
46:53 Benefits of Forest School for Children with Special Needs
49:34 The Future of Forest School
49:57 Darren's Ideal Vision for Education in Singapore
53:32 Closing
They explore how Forest School transforms a child’s growth and resilience, the challenges of running an alternative education program, and the community's reactions. Darren shares advice for urban parents, insights on defining success beyond academics, and his take on hot-button issues like CCTV in preschools.
Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking episode that challenges us to rethink education and what it means to truly nurture the next generation.
For collaborations, partnerships, or feedback, reach us at [email protected].
Rate the podcast 5 stars, follow, and share if you enjoy our content.
Follow us on social media:
Joanne Peh: https://www.instagram.com/joannepeh/
What Do I Know? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whatdoesjoanneknow/
ZYRUP Media: https://www.instagram.com/zyrupmedia/
Chapters:
00:00 Start of Episode
01:54 Introduction of Darren Quek
03:00 Why is Forest School is Closing Down?
06:07 What Does it Mean by Making Forest School Obsolete
07:20 What Exactly Is a Forest School?
08:50 Parents' Concerns: The Dangers and Fears of Forest School
11:40 Core Principles That Differentiate Forest Schools from Traditional Education
12:37 Comparing Forest School Education Methods in Different Countries
15:39 Conflicts That Can Arise in a Forest School
17:09 Darren's Take on Conflicts and Getting Hurt at Forest School
19:01 Can Children Work Through Issues in a Non-Forest Setting?
19:26 The Unique Benefits You Can Gain from Forest School
26:37 The Struggle to Find Locations to Conduct Forest School in Singapore
31:38 Why Can't We Experience Nature in a Real Rustic Forest?
35:05 Darren’s take on the installation of CCTV in Preschools
41:53 Darren on His Evolving Role as a Researcher, Advocate, and Writer
44:05 After-School Activity Tips for Parents
46:53 Benefits of Forest School for Children with Special Needs
49:34 The Future of Forest School
49:57 Darren's Ideal Vision for Education in Singapore
53:32 Closing
More episodes of the podcast What Do I Know? with Joanne Peh
S3E10: From Fame to Rock Bottom? Sharon Au on Walking Away from Success and If It Was Worth It
14/03/2025
S3E9: What Dressage and Horses Teach Us About Mentality and Passions with Olympian Caroline Chew
26/02/2025
S3E8: Intimacy Coordination in Film and What It Teaches Us About Boundaries with Rayann Condy
11/02/2025
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