DORSET FOREST SCHOOL
Outdoor Learning & Forest School
All of our courses are designed and delivered by experienced forest school leaders - who most importantly - still run forest school. Our key aim here at Dorset Forest School is for all children in Dorset to access forest school which is why we are passionate about training others. There are a number of options for how Dorset Forest School can support you through training, some of which are subsidised.
You first need to decide which training is most appropriate for you. Please contact Maddy on (07957 390087) or email (maddy@dorsetforestschool.org) to explore your options.
We offer;
Level 1 Award in Outdoor Learning training - 2 days £180
This course looks at both the type of learning and development that is going on at Forest School as well as helping you to start developing your own practical skills. Please note that this an introductory course, and does not qualify you to run Forest Schools Sessions.
Level 2 -Outdoor Learning Practitioner £250 2 days - Fridays 16th and 23rd March 2018
This accredited course equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to take their practice outside. It provides skills and ideas to translate the curriculum to an outdoor setting, Outdoor Learning Coordinator is a two day course designed for those who would like to further their outdoor learning skills, be a part of successfully embedding outdoor learning in their organisation and making it accessible to all. The Outdoor Learning Coordinator course will help your school to gain the Silver Award with LOtC.
Level 3 Outdoor Learning Coordinator - £200 two days and a twilight feedback session or £400 when you sign up to both OLP and OLC courses (discount of £50 given) - Fridays 16th and 23rd March and 16th and 17th July 2018
Outdoor Learning Coordinator is a two day course designed for those who would like to further their Outdoor Learning skills, be a part of successfully embedding outdoor learning in their organisation and making it accessible to all. It is best suited to schools who plan to carry out outdoor learning with whole classes ( as apposed to the small group sizes forest school practice requires for tool and campfire use.) Trainees can top up to level 3 award in leading forest school if they so wish at a later date.
This course is only available to those that have completed the L2 OL Practitioner Award.
Course content summary:
Background of educational practice of modern Outdoor Learning including a review of research & practice in recent years.
Auditing existing provision and practice, creating procedures and best practice guidelines for making outdoor learning part of a whole school educational strategy
Site / grounds planning and sustainable management
Planning year round programmes of OL
Building on Outdoor Learning Skills
Guidance for cascading new skills to other staff members
Level Two Forest School Assistant - 4 days
Fridays 18th, 25th May, 8th and 15th June 2018
This qualification is ideal for those who would like a more in depth introductory course or who need more practical and academic experience in order to progress to the Level 3 – Forest School Practitioners course. This course offers plenty of opportunities to develop your own skills at Forest School in preparation for passing those on to others at a later date. Completion of the Level 2 booklet takes place during the course and whilst assisting a Forest School Practitioner (Level 3 Trained) with planning and delivery of Forest School programmes.
For this reason you must ensure an established link with a Forest School Practitioner before coming on to the course.
Entry Qualifications Required – Established link with Forest School Practitioner. Aged 16 years and over. Level 1 qualification or equivalent (1 GCSE).
Level Three Forest School Practitioner Training - 7 days, +work based assessment
Fridays 18th, 25th May, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th June and 6th July 2018
This course is designed for those who would like to set up and run a forest School programmes. There are five Units of Study at Level 3
-
Forest School Leader
-
Supporting Learning, Development and Play in the Outdoors
-
Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
-
Observation and Evaluating Outdoor Learning
-
Teaching Outdoor Practical Skills
On the Level Three course you will :-
-
Attend training days which consist of both theory and practical task
-
Run a Forest School Programme in your chosen setting.
-
Have a work-based assessment.
-
Complete a portfolio for assessment.
In addition to the course dates, the lead tutor is available during the course for tutorial help by telephone or e mail.
Entry Qualification Required:
Two years experience in Education, Youth Work, Child care etc. AND established link with a client group and potential Forest School Site. 21 years or over at the start of the course.
OR Level 2 Qualification in Forest School, Countryside, Woodland Management etc.
To book on the for the Level 3 Forest School Practitioner award please contact Maddy Irvine on 07957 390087 or maddy@dorsetforestschool.org. Our accreditation centre and external verifier is Cambium Sustainable.
If your setting falls within the catchment of South Dorset Ridgeway you and your school would be eligible for HLF funding through the South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership.
This project;
-
carries a fee of £300
-
provides level 1 training/mentoring for a teacher
-
provides 6 mentored sessions with DFS team back in your setting with your children
-
develops forest school site for you.
