OCN Level 1 Introduction to Forest School

Date: Thursday 17^th and Friday 18^th May 2012

Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm each day

Location: Holt Hall Field Studies Centre

Cost: Approximately £320 – Check on Norfolk CC webpage (plus £40 if visiting a Forest School Mentor)

Description:
The OCN Level 1 Introduction to Forest School course is a nationally recognised qualification and is accredited through the Open College Network (OCN). It is aimed at anyone over the age of 16 wanting to experience a taste of the Forest School ethos. It has helped practitioners to gain confidence in working outside with children and supported some to decide to go on with their training and become Forest School Leaders (Level 3) or Assistants (Level 2).

Introduction to Forest School consists of 3 OCN credits contained in one unit of study: Introduction to Forest School. The training equates to 30 hours of work and is a combination of training, a visit to an established Forest School and short written workbook.

Entry Criteria:
The Level 1 course is a simple introduction to Forest School, thus the only entry criteria is to be over 16 years of age. No prior knowledge of Forest School is required.

Course Itinerary:

• The 2 day intensive training – 17^th & 18^th May 2012
• Visit to observe a Forest School session* – May to July 2012
• Workbook hand-in date – 21^st July 2012

*Visit to a Forest School:
Students are required to observe a minimum of one session at an established Forest School (led by a qualified Level 3 Practitioner). This can be any Level 3 Practitioner, however there are Forest School Mentors within Norfolk, who are recognised by Norfolk County Council as experienced Forest School Practitioners and who are trained to support Level 1 students. Students will be given contact information for the Norfolk Forest School Mentors during training. Please note that Forest School Mentors charge visitors £40 to cover their time.

Equipment and Kit:
All equipment and resources required on the training will be provided by the training providers. Students are required to provide their own outdoor clothing and footwear for use on the training.

Booking:
This course is facilitated via Norfolk County Council’s INSET opportunities system. All bookings and administration is through Norfolk CC.

Norfolk CC courses will be set up and available for booking in the new financial year. Please visit the Environmental and Outdoor Learning Teams website here to keep up to date with opportunities.

Please view a downloadable booklet about OCN Level 1 Introduction to Forest School here.

Please contact us for further information.