Training

Level 1 certificate

Introduction to the Forest School Methodology

The Level 1 is an official introductory course for those interested in the ethos of Forest Schools. A Level 1 Certificate allows you to support sessions run by a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader and to apply the Forest School principles to your professional and personal practice.

If you want to run your own Forest School programmes you need to complete the Level 3 training. You do not need to have completed Level 1 or Level 2 training to complete the Level 3 course.

During your Introduction to Forest School Level 1 training you will learn the fundamental aspects of the British Forest School methodology while gaining invaluable practical Forest School skills. You will have the unique opportunity to observe and analyse the delivery of a real life Forest School session. During the course, you will complete the theoretical sections of your portfolio which will cover the Forest School approach to child-led learning and holistic development and the importance of risky play and its management. You will also have the opportunity of booking additional practical sessions covering shelters, ropes, crafts and tools.

The course includes
  • Registration with British Awarding Body
  • 1 day covering the theoretical aspects of the methodology
  • A practical forest school training day
  • A guided session observation at Valencia Forest School
  • Portfolio support
  • An internationally recognised, Open Awards approved qualification

Price: 288 euros

Level 3 Certificate

for School Forest Leaders

With the official British Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders training, you will become a Forest School Leader, acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to design and deliver effective and safe Forest School programs according to the prestigious British Forest School methodology.

Your British qualification will be recognized internationally!

Price: 952 euros

Course Stages

Initiation

During this first week of face-to-face work we will deal with the fundamental theoretical and practical aspects of the Forest School methodology in a practical manner.

Immersion

You will plan your own introductory Forest School program and carry it out during an internship week at Valencia Forest School or, if you prefer, in a space of your choice.

Portfolio

We will accompany you in the development of your portfolio, a detailed and quality work that will lay the foundations for your own Forest School project.

Evaluation

We will meet in the forest for the last time to assess your new skills and help you with those you wish to improve.

Find out

Official training

Contents

Unit 1
Structure of the forest, identification of flora and fauna and sustainable management of the Forest School site.
Unit 2
Plan, deliver and evaluate a Forest School program.
Unit 3
Application of learning and development theories. Impact of behaviour on learning and development. Learning and personal development in the Forest School.
Unit 4
The development of the ideology of the Forest School supported by protocols and procedures. The ecological impact of the Forest School program.
Unit 5

Practical skills in the forest: knots, tools, cabins… Fire management appropriate for a Forest School program.

Frequent
questions

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Is it an official qualification?
Yes. Valencia Forest School works in association with ITC First, an accredited certification body. ITC First is recognized by OFQUAL (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) and approved by the UK Forest School Association. This training is an essential requirement to work as a Forest School Leader in the United Kingdom and in numerous Forest Schools around the world.
Is this training for me?
There are no formal requirements to access the training Certificate Level 3 for School Forest Leaders. This training is for all people over 19 years of age who want to become a Forest School Leader, such as education professionals, playworkers or people looking for a career change.
Do we work to a curriculum?
The Forest School methodology has many meeting points with the school curriculum, especially in the early stages of education. In addition, the Forest School sessions are unique opportunities to put into practice knowledge of mathematics, language, science… However, the Forest School methodology focuses on the personal and emotional development of the participants and does not include strict curriculum content unlike other methodologies of education in nature.
What if I don't speak English well?
The training is given in English but we always take into account those people who do not have a perfect command of the language. 1:1 communication can also be in Spanish or Valencian. You can write your portfolio in the language of your choice and use a translation service for its delivery.

Frequent
questions

Introduction to methodology

British Forest School

This 10-hour theoretical-practical course will help you understand and put into practice some of the basic aspects of this successful methodology.

Contents
Origins of the Methodology
Good practises
Risky play
Mud creations
Cabin Construction
Building swings
Use of Tools
Personal development
Emotional intelligence

Email us to find out about future dates and locations. If you are a group of people, we can organise this course exclusively for you on a date of your choice.

Contact Us

hello@valenciaforestschool.es

Work with us

If you would like to become a member of our team of Forest School Guides, please send a motivation letter and your CV to hello@valenciaforestschool.es

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