Are you thinking of training to become a Forest School leader?

 Some information for you!

If you are looking at delivering Forest School Programs, you will need to complete an OCN Level 3 Forest School Leader Qualification.  The qualification will provide you with a broad knowledge base to allow you to become a top-quality Forest School Leader.

 What you might need to consider before going on a training course?

·         You will need a group of regular children to work with.

·         You will need a natural space to set up and run your Forest School programs

·         You will need to be over 18 years of age

Before completing your qualification with us (after the nine months study period) you must hold: -

• A current First Aid Qualification. We strongly recommend that you have a first aid qualification which included elements of outdoor situations please see Outdoor First Aid courses for more information.  This can be completed during your 9 months training.

• What does the training involve?

Time frames

An initial 8 days training with us this includes 3 Practical Training days – During this time we will assess you on using tools and lighting fires.

You will have 9 months of study time to complete a portfolio of work – this will include setting up and running a Forest School Programme with your chosen client group. During one of these sessions (six minimum) we will come and assess you running a Forest School Session.

 Units of study.

The Forest School Practitioners Award is a Qualification accredited by Agored Cymru (formerly OCN Wales) The course consists of 19 Credits at Level 3 which are contained in five Units of Study:

Unit 1: Supporting Learning Play and Development in the Natural Environment –

5 Credits, 10 Hours of Guided Learning.

Looking at theories of learning and how to support holistic development.  Discussing the theories and value of play, and how to raise self-esteem and develop emotional literacy in learners.

Unit 2: Deliver Forest School

6 Credits, 15 Hour of Guided Learning
To enable effective delivery of Forest School programmes linked to holistic  development.
This unit has a credit value of 6 towards the overall requirement for this Level 3 course of 19 credits. The total Guided Learning Hours for this unit are 15.

Unit 3: Observation and Evaluation of Forest School

2 Credits, 4 Hours of Guided Learning.
To enable practitioner to use assessment and evaluation techniques linked to holistic development in the natural environment
This unit has a credit value of 2 towards the overall requirement for this Level 3 course of 19 credits. The total Guided Learning Hours for this unit are 4.

Unit 4: Sustainable Use and Management of Natural Resources –

3 Credits, 5 hours of guided learning

Looking at different ecological structures, threats to these systems. Identifying different species within these environments and relating this to your own site. Looking at the historic management of natural environments and how this is relevant to modern outdoor learning practice

Unit 5: Teach Outdoor Practical Skills

3 credits, 30 hours of guided learning.

To enable the learners to teach safe practical skills and campfire management.

The course equates to 64 hours of taught time and requires, on average, a further 120 hours of self-study time from the student.  Networking by the students on the course and the formation of small self-study groups is recognised as a useful tool aiding successful completion of the course.  Tutorials by telephone and e mail are available during the course.

How does the assessment work?

 We will assess you during your course training days and will be specifically looking at your practical skills (tools, knots and fire).

When you run your Forest School sessions back in your workplace, an assessor will visit one session to observe and assess you whilst you are leading.

We will mark your portfolio when it is handed in. Agored Cymru operate a pass/fail system so we cannot grade you. However, if there is work in parts of your portfolio are not up to the required standard, you have the opportunity to re-do your work and resubmit it for re- marking. We then have a system of Internal and External Verification to ensure our marking is of a consistent standard.

How much does it cost?

 Forest School Leader Level 3 Training costs £ 1000 per person, which covers all training days, observation assessment, portfolio marking and certification. This also covers basic support. We can offer on-going support please contact us for more information.

Why Choose us?

We have delivered many courses throughout the West Midlands including Coventry, Warwickshire, Worcester, Dudley, Walsall and have trained hundreds of successful Forest School Leaders. We can be the hub that connects you to leaders locally to you and provide advice on your set up and site.

The Forest School Training Is part delivered in the beautiful setting of Baggeridge country park which is home to the Wildlings Outdoor School. Trainees will gain direct experience working with this group during their training period.