ITC Level 1 Award in Introduction to Forest School Principles (RQF)
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‘Wild’ nature, risk and trust – how exciting!

In this forest school training event we will be exploring nature based education for children aged from 0 to 16 years offered as a weekly session on a beach, forest, bush, outback or river. This course enables participants to explore how we can integrate Forest School practice into the school curriculum and address practical considerations associated with educating young children outdoors on a regular basis.

This qualification is intended to introduce the candidate to the underlying ethos and ideas of Forest School and the use of the outdoor to aid learning.  It is suitable for all who wish to undertake an introduction to, or have an interest in teaching and learning in this sector.

Why Forest School?

Forest School training is a proven pedagogical methodology and one which has been adopted extensively throughout Scandinavia where it has become a key element of Early Years provision.

A great way to deliver the LNF, Successful Futures, Creative Curriculum and the Wellbeing act  ….. using the outdoors!!

Forest School provides a unique way of creating a child-centred learning environment which fosters independence and self-esteem in children through involvement in stimulating outdoor learning activities that enhance physical, mental, social and cognitive development.

The 2 day course involves:

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2 days of practical skills development.

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Observation of a Forest School session

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Theory is completed via our E-Learning system and can be completed at own pace (submission within 1 month).

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Most of each day is spent in the outdoors, please come prepared.

Aims:

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To explore the origins, ethos and approach of Forest Schools

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To identify the benefits and learning opportunities offered by ‘wild’ nature

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To introduce some practical bush craft skills and knowledge

Who is this for

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Community and parent volunteers

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Level 1 school support staff

What Will You Learn?

This course is designed to provide an Introduction to the  Forest School Pedagogy. Forest School is a proven pedagogical methodology and one which has been adopted extensively throughout Scandinavia where it has become a key element of Early Years provision.

Understanding the Forest School approach to learning, participating in a Forest School experience, woodland species identification, impact of Forest School on the woodland environment and understanding hazards at Forest School.

Assessment tasks will result in each candidate producing a portfolio of evidence meeting each assessment criteria in the unit.

Meet the Trainers

Darren Lewis

As a qualified Teacher, Forest School Leader and Trainer, Darren founded Ignite following a visit to Sweden where he observed first-hand the multitude of benefits children experience through learning in the outdoors. After becoming the first teaching practitioner in Wales to become a certified Swedish Outdoor Learning pedagogue, Darren established Dare Valley Forest School based in Aberdare.

As a former Director of the Forest School Association and Training Consultant for Mindstretchers™ and current Forest Kindergarten Ambassador for the UK, Darren’s vision is to enable children in Wales to experience the rich learning experiences that only outdoor environments can provide to enable their full potential to be ignited and nurtured.

Sapphire Lewis

Sapphire is a qualified Forest School Leader, Trainer and Playworker. Sapphire has followed her passion for the outdoors and is the leader of Dare Valley Forest School after an extensive period of volunteering with our company.

Following her PGCE (PcET) where she undertook research into how to improve learner engagement via online learning, Sapphire has become one of our Trainers and has created our brand new E-Learning system.

Upcoming Courses

February 2024

Dare Valley Community Woodland, Aberdare

Practical Days: Monday 19th- Wednesday 21st February

Cost: £250

April 2024

Dare Valley Community Woodland, Aberdare

Practical Days: Monday 8th April- Wednesday 10th April

Cost: £250

May 2024

Dare Valley Community Woodland, Aberdare

Practical Days: Monday 13th May – Wednesday 15th May

Cost: £250