Which training is right for you
Entry Level Forest Schools Skills
This course has been specifically developed in order that young people, or adults with learning difficulties, can gain a qualification in recognition of the work and skills they have achieved whilst attending a Forest School Programme. There is a strong emphasis on the ability to manage oneself and to keep safe through the appropriate use of tools and equipment.
Course Duration: 2 days in total, but varies depending on the client group.
Portfolio Completion will take place during the course and be handed in on the last day.
Level 1 Forest Schools Skills
This is aimed at individuals with little or no experience of working in the outdoors, and aims to build knowledge and confidence in the safe use of equipment and tools. Archimedes staff will introduce basic woodland skills, and individuals will be required to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the flora and fauna in a woodland area. The course will allow participants to look at using the outdoor environment as a tool to facilitate different learning styles and to develop personal skills such as confidence and self-esteem.
Course Duration: 3 days
Portfolio Completion will take place during the course and be handed in on the last day
Level 2 Assistant Forest Schools Practitioner.
This is a 5-day course, which is aimed at individuals who want to assist a Forest School Practitioner (Level 3) in the delivery of Forest School sessions in woodland environment. This course will also give you a range of imaginative ideas for activities that you can incorporate into sessions within your own setting. This qualification is fun and a good introduction to Forest Schools for individuals new to the subject area or for those who have not been in education for a while or do not have the relevant practical or academic experience to complete the Level 3 Practitioners course at this time.
Course Duration: Training takes place over 5 days, either consecutively or over a 5 week period.
Portfolio completion is recommended to take place during the course and be handed in on the last day but a maximum of 12 months after the course.
The assessment will take place on the last day of the training course.
Level 3 Forest Schools Practitioners Award.
This Level 3 course is aimed at individuals who have a minimum Level 2 qualification in Youth Work, Child Care, Teaching or equivalent relevant qualifications, experience of practical activities in the out of doors (see level 2 above), and wish to coordinate, manage and lead Forest School Sessions with children, young people or adults. This course is an opportunity to explore to a higher level, different approach to using the outdoor environment in a Forest School setting. You will investigate how best to design and run a Forest School programme and look at how to approach and apply it safely and effectively. (You would also need to take the ITC/REC 16 Hr Outdoor First Aid course which lasts 2 days and provides you with best practice First Aid skills for outdoor environments)
Course Duration: Training takes place over 5 days consecutively. Then a further 5 days assessment and 2 days First Aid.
Portfolio completion is recommended a minimum of 6 months after the course but a maximum of 12 months after the course.