Qualification Title: Open Awards Level 2 Award in Introduction to Forest School Principles
Qualification Code: 601/1795/3
Minimum Age Requirements: This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16+. Please note that the Forest School Association recommends a minimum age of 18+ for employment as a Forest School Programme Assistant.
Entry Requirements: There are no specific prior achievements required.
Placement Requirements: You will need to be able to demonstrate your activities as a Forest School Assistant, which will include working in a suitable environment to assist a more senior practitioner in Forest School curriculum delivery. You must be able to: Demonstrate the safe use of a range of hand tools, demonstrate the tying of a range of knots, erect a temporary shelter using a tarpaulin and ropes, demonstrate the safe siting, lighting, management and extinguishing of a fire at Forest School
The primary purpose of these qualifications is to develop knowledge and/or skills in the subject area of Forest Schools. This level 2 qualification will provide you with an introduction to the Forest School ethos and learning in the outdoors. This qualification is part of a suite that the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for learners to take part in Forest School activities. They enable learners to experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of their learning and personal development, and have been designed in accordance with the guidance outlined in the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto 2006.
Who is it for?
This qualification is designed to meet the needs of those with an interest in working in the outdoors, including:
• School and college staff
• Youth workers
• Parent helpers
• Students
Syllabus
Unit 1: Skills for the Forest School Programme Assistant
The unit focuses on practical and sustainable woodland management within a Forest School setting. It covers topics such as identifying woodland flora and fauna, understanding woodland layers, and assessing environmental impacts and risks associated with Forest School activities. Practical skills taught include the safe use of hand tools, knot tying, shelter building, and fire management. This unit requires a minimum of 24 guided learning hours and is valued at 3 credits.
Unit 2: Supporting Learning and Development at a Forest School Programme
The unit is aimed at enhancing learning and developmental support in a Forest School setting. It focuses on understanding how Forest School programmes can support holistic development, the importance of play and self-directed learning, and promoting positive behaviour and self-esteem. Practical components include assisting with the planning and delivery of Forest School sessions and evaluating their impact on learners. This unit also requires a minimum of 24 guided learning hours and offers 3 credits.
Your Future:
This qualification provides a mechanism for you to recognise and develop your skills and establish personal, learning and employment goals.
You may choose to progress onto a higher level qualification, including:
• Open Awards Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Programme Leadership (RQF)
You may choose to progress onto further learning within a different but related subject area including:
• Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Social Care and Youth Work
• Early Years Care and Education
Qualification Code: 601/1795/3
Minimum Age Requirements: This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16+. Please note that the Forest School Association recommends a minimum age of 18+ for employment as a Forest School Programme Assistant.
Entry Requirements: There are no specific prior achievements required.
Placement Requirements: You will need to be able to demonstrate your activities as a Forest School Assistant, which will include working in a suitable environment to assist a more senior practitioner in Forest School curriculum delivery. You must be able to: Demonstrate the safe use of a range of hand tools, demonstrate the tying of a range of knots, erect a temporary shelter using a tarpaulin and ropes, demonstrate the safe siting, lighting, management and extinguishing of a fire at Forest School
The primary purpose of these qualifications is to develop knowledge and/or skills in the subject area of Forest Schools. This level 2 qualification will provide you with an introduction to the Forest School ethos and learning in the outdoors. This qualification is part of a suite that the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for learners to take part in Forest School activities. They enable learners to experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of their learning and personal development, and have been designed in accordance with the guidance outlined in the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto 2006.
Who is it for?
This qualification is designed to meet the needs of those with an interest in working in the outdoors, including:
• School and college staff
• Youth workers
• Parent helpers
• Students
Syllabus
Unit 1: Skills for the Forest School Programme Assistant
The unit focuses on practical and sustainable woodland management within a Forest School setting. It covers topics such as identifying woodland flora and fauna, understanding woodland layers, and assessing environmental impacts and risks associated with Forest School activities. Practical skills taught include the safe use of hand tools, knot tying, shelter building, and fire management. This unit requires a minimum of 24 guided learning hours and is valued at 3 credits.
Unit 2: Supporting Learning and Development at a Forest School Programme
The unit is aimed at enhancing learning and developmental support in a Forest School setting. It focuses on understanding how Forest School programmes can support holistic development, the importance of play and self-directed learning, and promoting positive behaviour and self-esteem. Practical components include assisting with the planning and delivery of Forest School sessions and evaluating their impact on learners. This unit also requires a minimum of 24 guided learning hours and offers 3 credits.
Your Future:
This qualification provides a mechanism for you to recognise and develop your skills and establish personal, learning and employment goals.
You may choose to progress onto a higher level qualification, including:
• Open Awards Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Programme Leadership (RQF)
You may choose to progress onto further learning within a different but related subject area including:
• Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Social Care and Youth Work
• Early Years Care and Education
