Level 1- Award in Forest School principles (March 2020)

About the event

This course is aimed at those who are interested in learning more about the Forest School approach to learning and who would like to help out at an existing Forest School. 
It can also be used as a first step for those considering taking Forest School Leader training at a later date

Entry Criteria

• Participants need to be over 16 years of age and have an interest in working with children and young people outdoors.

Course Cost: £200

Course Layout

Two days of training to cover

• Understanding the Forest School Approach to Learning
• Practical Forest School skills

Training days run from 9.30am – 4.30pm in an outdoor setting

A short Level 1 workbook which should be completed within 6 months of the start of the course

As part of the coursework you will need to attend at least 1 Forest School session run by a Level 3 Qualified Forest School Leader and complete your observations of this session. We can facilitate this for you.

Course content

The Level 1 course will provide you with the skills necessary to become an effective member of a Forest School delivery team. We will discuss the Forest school approach to learning, risk management and the impacts of Forest school on a woodland environment. Practical skills covered will include safe lighting, management and use of a campfire in a Forest School setting, safe use of a range of hand tools and a variety of games and activities. The course will be run on Forest School principles, so you will see the Forest School ethos in action.

Please note that the Level 1 qualification will not entitle you to lead your own Forest School sessions.

What will I need for the course?

Please make sure you bring the following with you each day:

• Packed lunch, cup and snacks
• Suitable outdoor clothing for the weather conditions (trousers, not shorts)
• Stout shoes or boots. Please do not wear sandals
• A camera  or camera phone can be useful for recording some of the activities

We will provide:

• Tea coffee and biscuits
• All required paperwork
• All tools and equipment for the outdoor tasks
  (N.B. For a variety of reasons we would ask you not to bring your own tools)

Topping up from Level 1 to Level 3

There is the option to top up to a Level 2 Forest school assistant or 3 Forest School Leader for participants who have done a level 1 with us.  Please contact us if you wish to discuss or book this option.

Top up from Level 1 to Level 2 
Dates: 23rd and 24th March 2020, 9.30am - 4.30pm plus optional mentoring day on 22nd July 2020
Location: Foxburrow Farm
Cost: £200 (price reduced by £200)

Top up from Level 1 to Level 3
Dates: 17th - 21st August 2020, 9.30am - 4.30pm, and 18th - 20th September 2020 plus optional mentoring days 26th October, 21st December 2020, 15th February 2021
Location: Foxburrow Farm
Cost: £900, dates to be confirmed (price reduced by £50)