Standard Forest School Training
FSTC has been delivering the standard format of Forest School training since the very beginning. This format is a more intensive style of training, with the main theory and practical skills being taught in an intensive training block, followed by a separate practical skills assessment (for level 3).
Level 3 Forest School Leader Training
The level 3 training is the nationally recognised standard of training required to lead Forest School sessions with children and young people. It is a medium-term training course which takes around 9 months to complete. This training is accredited through the Open College Network (OCN) and carries 18 credits at level 3.
Standard Format Course Layout for Level 3:
1) The standard format course starts with a 5-day Intensive week. During this week students cover the application of learning theories to Forest School, methods of increasing self-esteem and working on emotional intelligence, group management, communication strategy, risk management, ecological impact assessment/management plan as well as working with tools and campfires for use at Forest School. Students are given a coursework file, showing all of the assignments they will need to complete, as well as handouts and websites to support their learning. Students are also given access to our Student pages of our website for further support. During the intensive week students are set an interim assignment, which is marked with feedback.
2) This is followed by a 3-day Practical Skills Assessment training. The Practical Skills Assessment training covers assessment of students competence of knots, safe tool use and firecraft. During this training element students also cover further training on group management , session planning and risk assessment, as well as a group tutorial on health and safety regarding their 6-week Forest School Programme.
3) Students then plan and run a 6-week Forest School Programme, with a small group of children in their own choice of woodland setting.
4) Delivery Assessment - During the 5th or 6th session of their 6-week Forest School Programme, students will be assessed on their leadership skills and their Health & Safety documentation for running Forest School Programmes. Students will need to book themselves in for a 2 hour assessment.
5) A half-day Coursework Tutorial - This is a group tutorial and covers what is required to answer each of the assessment criteria in all three of the units. From past experience holding this tutorial at this stage of the training is useful, as students have completed their 6-week Forest School Programme and can relate their session-paperwork and experiences to their answers for the assessment criteria.
6) Coursework Portfolio - students will need to compile a coursework portfolio which is written evidence for both the practical and theoretical aspects of their training.
All information, materials and other health and safety equipment will be provided during the training course. Students will be required to provide their own Safety boots and outdoor clothing for use during the training. (For details on safety boots see FAQs).
Level 2 Forest School Assistant Training
This training is aimed at those who are supporting an existing level 3 qualified Forest School Practitioner. This training qualifies you to assist at Forest School. This training requires you to take part in 3 Forest School sessions in the role of the assistant.
The level 2 training can be used to progress on to further Forest School training, ultimately leader training at level 3.
Standard Format Course Layout for Level 2:
5-day Intensive Week (covering theory, practice and skills assessment)
Assist with planning and running 3 sessions of Forest School with a qualified FS Leader
Coursework Portfolio hand in
Content:
Health & Safety, including Risk Assessments and flora/fauna identification
Knots, Safe Tool use & Firecraft
How to assist at Forest School
Understanding Play
Building confidence and emotional intelligence
This course is OCN accredited and carries 6 credits at level 2.
All information, materials and other health and safety equipment will be provided during the training course. Students will be required to provide their own Safety boots and outdoor clothing for use during the training. (For details on safety boots see FAQs).
Level 1 Introduction to Forest School
This level of training is designed as an introduction to the Forest School ethos and basic skills.
This course is OCN accredited and carries 3 credits at level 1.
Standard Format Course Layout for Level 1:
2-day Intensive Training (covering theory and practice)
Observe 1 session of Forest School run by a qualified FS Leader
Finish Course Workbook
Content:
Introduction to the concept of Forest School
The importance of Play
Introduction to flora/fauna identification
General Health & Safety
Experience of Forest School
All information, materials and other health and safety equipment will be provided during the training course. Students are not required to have safety boots at this level.