CoursesLevel 3

Level 3

1.0a Introduction to the OCN NI Level 3 Award in Leadership in Forest Schools

The OCN NI Level 3 Leadership in Forest School (QCF) qualification has been designed for learners who wish to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence required to lead forest school activities, engaging with children in a Forest School setting. It is ideal for teachers etc. wishing to work with their group outdoors.

1.0b Understand how Forest Schools benefit both participants and local communities

Task: Write an assignment of approximately 1,000 words about the benefits of Forest Schools. Your assignment might include information relating to childrens’ benefits, environmental and local community benefits.

Must include 3 references that are cited at the end of the assignment.

2.0 Understand the development of Forest Schools locally and nationally

Task: Write an assignment of approximately 1,000 words about the history of Forest Schools. Your assignment might include information relating to development of Forest Schools in Scandinavian Countries and their spread to the UK and Ireland.

3.0a Be able to perform a programme of Forest School sessions – Forest School Handbook

Task: Produce a Forest School Handbook for your organisation. Use the template provided for guidance. The Forest School Handbook should be kept up to date with risk assessments and key contacts updated annually. Policies should be updated as required.

Please substitute your own photographs in the handbook.

3.0a(1) Procedures for running your Forest School session

Use this flipbook as a guide on how to structure your Forest School session

3.0b(1) Be able to perform a programme of Forest School sessions – Outdoor Lesson Ideas Key Stage 1

Use this NIFSA publication to gather ideas for the classroom and your Forest School site.

3.0b(2) Be able to perform a programme of Forest School sessions – Outdoor Lesson Ideas Key Stage 1

Use this NIFSA publication to gather ideas for your outdoor and classroom lessons.

3.0b(3) Be able to perform a programme of Forest School sessions – Outdoor Lesson Ideas Key Stage 2

Use this NIFSA publication to gather ideas for outdoor and classroom ideas.

3.0b(4) Be able to perform a programme of Forest School sessions – Outdoor Lesson Ideas

Use these ideas to design your own outdoor lessons.

3.0c Be able to perform a programme of Forest School sessions – Lesson Plans

Task: Write and attach six lesson plans for delivering a basic scheme of works for your Forest School Programme

4.0 Know how to evaluate a Forest School programme

Task: Write an assignment of approximately 1,000 words about your personal experience of Forest Schools. Your assignment might include an evaluation of children you have seen benefit from their Forest School experience, has the Forest School programme been useful and will you continue with it.

5.0 Understand how Forest Schools support national strategies

Task: Write an assignment of approximately 1,000 words about how Forest Schools fit with national strategies? Your assignment might include information relating to education, environmental and health strategies.

6.1 Registration & Assessment for Level 3

6.2 Candidate Verification and Certification

6.3 Complaints and Appeals Procedure

If you are unhappy with any of the decisions made by NIFSA regarding your qualification please follow the guidelines attached.