Accredited Forest School Training
Accredited Level 1 and Level 3 Forest School Training
These are the updated best practice version of the OCN qualifications that were updated in 2018 by a national network of Forest School Trainers and professionals and approved by the Forest School Association. The qualifications are accredited by AIM awards
Forest School is an inspirational process that offers all those involved regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. It adopts a child-centred approach, that offers opportunities for holistic growth and involves using long-term engagement that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. For more detail on this visit the Forest School Association Website.
These courses have been developed in partnership with Cathedral School who are hosting the Forest School training courses on their Forest School site in Failand (next to Ashton Court). The courses are an ideal opportunity for people working with children, young people and adult groups wishing to develop their learning experience and use the outside setting as an invaluable learning tool.
The level 3 course has been updated and designed to enable students to complete more quickly through having an individual introductory meeting and starting on the theory aspects of the course before the practical sessions start. This allows students then to progress with running sessions with their groups and will support students more effectively to complete the written aspects of the training.
To find out more about the experiences of those doing the training you can click here. Also to see a range of photos from recent training click here.
If you have further questions see the FAQ section or please get in touch.
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Level 1 Award in Forest School Ethos and Principles
This course is designed to give an insight into Forest School principals and an understanding of its benefits. Over the 2 planned sessions you will explore and experience a range of activities and games which you can use with your groups straight away to develop your own outdoor setting. These skills will help you to engage with the outdoor environment and use it as a tool to facilitate learning. A basic portfolio demonstrating your knowledge of Forest School principles and observations you have made will be required to be completed following the course. No prior experience required. There will be a short on-line session as shown below that will help you to explore the Forest School approach and its background.
Venue: Cathedral Primary School Forest School / Bristol Cathedral Choir School Playing Fields Beggar Bush Lane, Failand, BS8 3TG
Dates:
Pre-information and background session - find out about where Forest School came from and how it could support your groups - Wednesday 27th January 2021 8 - 9pm - register here
Spring Course 2021 - Thursday 18th March & Thursday 25th March 2021 - both days 9.30am – 4.30pm
Autumn Course 2021 - Thursday 23rd and 30th September - both days 9.30am – 4.30pm + on-line background session - date tbc.
Cost: £300.00
- group booking discount available - please ask
Booking:
- please click on the small white document page at the bottom of this page for the booking form
- to discuss the training please use my contact page
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Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders
This Forest School Leader course will enable you to develop the Forest School approach with your groups, develop your skills and knowledge and help to create a Forest School handbook. You will learn about woodland management, how to develop and maintain a site and risk assessments required. You will start the course by a one to one meeting to guide you through the structure and content and introduce you to the theory and written aspect of the course. Following this you will be given some key work to undertake - including developing your handbook - that will then allow you to develop your Forest School Practice more quickly with your groups.
The practical training element of the course will introduce to a wide range of activities and games and help you develop skills in the safe use of tools, fire lighting, cooking and knife work will also be covered. Following the training sessions a final day will be organised with you individually which will involve a site visit during one of your case study sessions and additional mentoring. You will be required to complete a written portfolio of your Forest School work to complete your course.
As part of the course you will also have some short evening on-line group sessions to support the development of your portfolio.
To undertake the Level 3 course you need to:
- Be 21 years or older
- Have experience or Knowledge of Forest School
- Have relevant experience related to leading groups you work with or a minimum Level 2 childcare or teaching qualification
- Have access to a group you can plan and run a Forest School session with
- Have or get an up to date DBS check
- Have a suitable First Aid qualification (or be willing to get this before your case study observation session)
Venue: Cathedral Primary School Forest School / Bristol Cathedral Choir School Playing Fields Beggar Bush Lane, Failand, BS8 3TG
Dates: Enroll now to start theory and written work following a 1 hour introductory meeting.
Practical sessions dates are as below.
Pre-information and background session - find out about where Forest School came from and how it could support your groups - Wednesday 27th January 2021 8 - 9pm - register here
Spring Course 2021 - (attend 7 face to face days in total on-site + induction & evening on-line sessions)
Enroll now to start induction and on-line theory training.
Face to face sessions - Thursday 18, 25th March & 1st April then 22nd & 29th April and assessment days 20th & 27th May 2021 - all days 9.30am – 4.30pm (there will also be further on-line support sessions that will be scheduled as short evening sessions to support portfolio work.)
Autumn Course 2021 - dates tbc
Cost: £900
- please ask for group booking discount
- If you have completed a level 1 course recently you may be able to get a discount on the cost and miss the first 2 days - please ask
- If you really want to attend and price is a barrier do ask.
Booking:
- please click on the small white document page below to fill out the booking form
- to discuss the training please use my contact page