Bridgwater College Forest School

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1 Bridgwater College Forest School Leading the way in outdoor learning since 1993

2 WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL? Forest School is an inspirational concept providing learning opportunities through practical activities in an outdoor environment. Participants of all ages enjoy the freedom to explore and experience the natural world in all seasons and in all weathers. It can be personally and socially uplifting, so laying firm foundations for other learning. Unlike other forms of outdoor education, Forest School embraces an approach of nurturing, supporting and developing the self-esteem of participants. It is an ideal environment in which to develop innovation, problem solving, risk taking, creativity and teamwork.

3 WHAT WILL FOREST SCHOOL TEACH ME? Our Forest School training programmes take place throughout the UK as well as in Bridgwater, and are aimed at those wishing to gain practical skills and confidence in leading groups outdoors, perhaps with a view to setting up and running Forest Schools in their own settings. We have developed a unique set of nationallyaccredited BTEC Forest School qualifications, from basic skills through to advanced level that will enable you to: Develop a wide range of practical skills, including the safe use of tools, the basic construction of semi-permanent structures, how to tie knots and lashings, the construction of fires and woodland conservation Develop creativity, problem solving, team building and risk-taking skills within your group Learn a variety of techniques for building self-esteem and managing behaviour Become more confident and independent Understand how Forest School can be used to deliver any curriculum content. How can Forest School benefit my teaching? Forest School can easily be linked to any education programme, curriculum or team building activity. It is most effective as an ongoing experience, supporting participants in cultivating a lifelong awareness and appreciation of the natural environment, whilst at the same time building confidence and enhancing their physical, social and emotional wellbeing. By becoming skilled in Forest School you can use the concept in a variety of ways to complement other learning and development pathways. Bridgwater College s Forest School team are all experienced Forest School leaders with nationallyaccredited qualifications. They come from a variety of backgrounds and this, combined with their broad skills base, equips them to meet the needs of all client groups, from pre-school children to adults, and especially including clients with physical disabilities, emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties, mental distress or social crisis.

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5 What people say about Forest School This week has been a life changing experience. It has made me realise the potential of outdoor learning and has inspired me to use it as I continue my passion for teaching children about meaningful learning experiences. Brilliant! James Collyer Forest School participant, February 2014 The course has provided me with so much more than just Forest School skills. I have learnt so much about behaviour, which I can now implement in my own teaching. A great course I loved it! Catherine Grigg The Libra School, South Molton, Devon I found the course really comprehensive and really inspiring. There was a great balance of theory and practical skills. I feel well set up to get the Forest School Ball rolling when I return to school! Helen Keyes Parson Street Primary School, Bedminster, Bristol I found the course amazingly positive! In just a week I became a much more confident person. I absolutely loved it and wish the course could have been longer, I didn t want it to end! Natalie Smith Nynehead Under Fives The outdoor sessions were brilliant, I cannot describe the experience but it is mind-blowing. I would recommend that Central Government should embed Forest School as part of the curriculum. Especially this has shown vast improvements in children s learning at Bridgwater College. Jaz Uppal Rowlatts Hill Children s Centre, Leicester

6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q Do I need a forest? A No. Forest School is a concept for working outside with children and adults. Any outdoor space, regardless of size or natural resources can be adapted or developed successfully for Forest School, as proven in our urban Forest School programme. Q I have family commitments and can t leave my home area to complete the qualification. A Our professional training team run an outreach programme nationally and internationally. Please contact us for details of courses in your area or visit Q Do I need to have other qualifications before I enrol? A For Level 1 Basic Skills, no previous training is needed. For Level 2 and above students must complete an application form and have some prior experience of working with their chosen client group. You will need access to a group of children or young people in order to complete your assessment. Q I want to disseminate the ethos of Forest School to my staff. Do you do presentations and INSET days? A Yes, we can provide practical low-level activities with a presentation at your venue or via day visits to Bridgwater College. These are tailor-made to suit your setting and audience e.g. Montessori, primary, secondary, pupil referral units, local authority teams, preparatory schools. We have delivered across a wide range of private, voluntary and public sector organisations. Q Can I use Forest School for corporate activities? A Yes. The Forest School concept can be applied to all groups, and is ideal for practical management training, team challenges and leadership, either at Bridgwater College or at a venue convenient to the workplace. Q I work with children with additional educational needs, would Forest School suit my groups? A Every session takes into account individual and group needs, knowledge and stage of development and can be readily adapted to include all individual needs.

7 Bridgwater College pioneers of Forest School in the UK An inspirational concept. Learning through practical activities in an outdoor environment. Complements other learning and development pathways. For participants of all ages and backgrounds. Provides nationally accredited qualifications. Bridgwater College professional training team. Training programmes run nationally and internationally. Bridgwater College Bath Road Bridgwater Somerset TA6 4PZ United Kingdom +44 (0)