This course provides learners with the skills required to run and manage a forest school setting when conducting Outdoor Skills programmes and activities. It is designed to meet the needs of teachers and practitioners in providing everything required to set up a Forest School.
A certificated Level 2 qualification for young people: Understand the learning theories which underpin quality Outdoor Skills practice and how to apply theories in everyday practice Learn about site selection, site set-up, woodland management and how to do this sustainably Learn practical skills around the use of fire and safe effective use of tools in an education setting Gain knowledge of setting up, delivering and evaluating outdoor skills programmes Safely conduct risk assessments and follow health and safety protocols associated with outdoor learning.
Course Modules
LO 1 – Be able to apply practical skills in an outdoor learning context
AC 1.1 - Demonstrate safe use of hand tools for bush craft activity.
AC 1.2- Know how to maintain and store tools in a safe manner.
AC 1.3 - Demonstrate usage of knots and lashings in a woodland setting
AC 1.4 – Create crafted items using natural woodland resources that are appropriate for woodland-based activities. (for example Spoons, pegs, and pot stands.)
AC 1.5 - Erect three different types of temporary shelters using tarps and natural woodland resources.
LO 2 – Be able to prepare for outdoor activity
AC 2.1 - Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for example, gardening gloves, fireproof gloves, and suitable clothing
AC 2.2 Explain the selection of PPE
LO 3 - Be able to safely use fire in an outdoor learning context
AC 3.1 - Select a suitable location for a fire
AC 3.2 - Construct a fire suitable to the situation
AC 3.3 - Demonstrate how to safely light and extinguish a fire.
AC 3.4- Demonstrate how to safely interact with a fire.
AC 3.5 - Manage a group around a fire
AC 3.6 - Deliver an introduction to using fire session
AC 3.7 - Use a campfire to cook
LO 4 - Know how to identify the flora and fauna in an outdoor setting
AC 4.1 - Identify plants on own site
AC 4.2 - Identify animals on own site
AC 4.3 - Identify Fungi on own site
AC 4.4 - Describe the importance of identification of flora / fauna / fungi
LO 5 – The Learner will be able to safely manage leaving the ground activities
AC 5.1 - Describe safe and appropriate low-climbing on a selection of trees
AC 5.2 - Select appropriate equipment for required activities
AC 5.3 - Build a rope bridge
LO 6 - The Learner will be able to understand relevant Health and Safety policies and procedures, and working knowledge for relevant Outdoor Skills
AC 6.1 - Describe current Health and Safety policies and procedures relevant to working outdoors
AC 6.2 - Describe how to maintain own knowledge and Outdoor Skills
Awarding Body
Level 2 Award in Outdoor Skills Competency.
Student Expected Outcomes
Students who attend the PD program will be expected to work through a portfolio of work that will lead them to a Level 2 qualification. through those sessions students will be taught a range of activities and practical skills that are transferable into the real world.
PD offers the student the chance to explore personal boundaries and to test themselves to find solutions to practical problems in the outdoor setting. learning how to build fences from natural materials, chairs how to manage woodland and many others. all these skills are with a view to helping the student find themselves and possibly pick a path for their future
