This leadership course is perfect if you're interested in running your own Forest School with children, young people or adults.
What does the course involve?
The Forest School Leader course at Green Light has been steadily evolving over 5 years. Led by experienced tutors, the content is carefully structured, and we aim to make the learning fun, playful, achievable and empowering. Our students tell us that they appreciate the blend of practical skills alongside the theory that supports them to understand and work with the Forest School ethos.
The course is structured around three teaching Units.
- Learning and Development of a Forest School
- Establishment and Delivery of a Forest School Programme
- Forest School Practical Skills and Woodland Management
Through independent study students are required to read widely, to research and submit an extended essay, a practical handbook and materials to support the development of their own Forest School practice. A key element of the qualification is the planning and delivery of 6 sessions of a Forest School programme in a school, nursery, or appropriate setting.A portfolio with evidence of the planning and evaluation of these sessions along with extracts from a reflective diary conclude the coursework. The training runs either over 3 weekends, or a 6 day 'intensive'. In addition to the tutored time students have to commit to at least 110 hours of self-study over approximately 9 months. Students must also complete a 2 day Outdoor (Pediatric) First Aid course.
The Forest School Practitioner training is recognised as the nationally accepted standard and an essential qualification for those wishing to lead a Forest School. It is accredited through the Open College Network (OCN). On successful completion students receive the OCN Forest School Leader Award.
Who can take part?
This course is open to anyone 21 or over, with at least a Level 2 qualification in youth work, childcare or teaching or 2 years experience working with children - for example countryside rangers, playworkers, teachers, nursery nurses and LSAs. You must have a current CRB certificate to practice.
How much does it cost?
Level 3 courses are £1,000 in total (£885.00 for the level 3 part of the qualification and £115.00 for the first-aid element which is mandatory and an integral part of the course). A £50 non-refundable deposit will secure your place with the balance to be paid before the course commences.
When and where does the course take place?
Level 3 weekend course plus First Aid weekend, Venue: The Foundry, Lawshall
4th & 5th February 2012 - Unit 1
25th & 26th February - First Aid
24th & 25th March 2012 - Unit 2
5th & 6th May 2012 - Unit 3
Level 3 INTENSIVE Course, Venue to be confirmed.
Monday 18th - Saturday 23rd June (inclusive)
First Aid element, Venue: The Foundry, Lawshall. 7th and 8th July
Level 3 INTENSIVE Course, Venue: The Foundry, Lawshall.
Monday 8th - Saturday 13th October (inclusive)
First Aid element, Venue: The Foundry, Lawshall. 10th & 11th November
To find out more or book a place on the course, please contact: Lindsay Limmer, Forest School Administrator on: 01284 830929 or email: lindsay@greenlighttrust.org