Wonder what Forest school is really like in practice? Are you curious about place-based, child-led learning and would like to experience it with like-minded people? This introductory course is suitable for all those interested in gaining a greater understanding of the Forest School ethos and is delivered over one day by a highly experienced FS practitioner and QQI tutor.

During this course you will:

1. Explore what "Forest School" means and what makes it unique to other types of outdoor learning.
2. Experience a range of Forest School skills and approaches to learning through outdoor play.
3. Experience interactive, seasonal activities including foraging and campfire cooking and exploration of woodland species through nature pedagogy.
4. Be introduced to how we create safety outdoors and how we approach risk at Forest School.
5. Learn about Forest School in practice in Ireland and what the FS leader training involves.

Cost: €95.00 (plus booking fee) per person

Where: Larchill Arcadian Gardens, near Kilcock, Co. Kildare Google maps link. Aprox. 30 mins drive from Dublin City.

Time: Registration is at 9.15am. The group will walk from the carpark to the FS site at 9.30am sharp, until 4.30pm.

Suitable for:

No experience required! This course is of benefit to any adult interested in learning more about FS:- parents, teachers in Primary, Secondary & Early Years education, SNA's as well as outdoor educators, community group leaders etc. Please note Teachers; this does not count towards your Croke Park hours.

We aim for you to:

1. Explore and experience interactive learning outdoors through the FS ethos.
2. Have fun practising useful outdoor skills using ropes and tools.
3. Play a variety of outdoor games and activities, create using loose parts, make simple woodland crafts.
4. Enjoy the freedom to follow your curiosity and experience a range of activities while learning with others and on your own.
5. Think about about ways to create safety and appropriate risk-taking.
6. Be more experienced and confident to bring children outdoors to play and learn as appropriate to your comfort level.
7. Gain information about the QQI Level 6 FS leadership training.
8. Have time for reflection and wellbeing exercises in nature.

Important to note: this is not an accredited course and does not qualify you as a Forest School leader/practitioner or go towards FS leader training credits or guarantee you a place on any future FS leader training courses.

Your tutor:

Ciara Hinksman helped introduce the FS training qualification to Ireland in 2013 with UK partners Circle of Life Rediscovery and huathe. She since founded Forest School Ireland and is delighted to share her knowledge and passion about this way of working and learning. From 2013 to 2022 she was course host for Circle of Life Rediscovery (UK) delivering the UK QCF Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification in Ireland as an associate trainer. She is currently a tutor for the QQI Level 6 Certificate in Forest School Leadership with Irish provider Brigit's Garden. Ciara is delighted for any opportunity to share her passion and enthusiasm for this work. She has 15 years experience working with people of all ages in nature and loves to share with folks curious to learn more, especially around a nice fire.

You need to bring:

Warm, waterproof clothing and footwear and a really good lunch. A more extensive kit-list will be emailed to you when you book on the course. There is a 10 to 15 min woodland walk from the carpark to the woodland site and you will carry all your kit with you for the day. If you need some help with this please let us know.

We will provide:

Warm drinks all day and biccies. You will receive course handouts and a certificate of attendance after the course.

Parking and Car-pooling/cycling: There is ample parking at Larchill Arcadian Gardens, Kilcock where we will meet in the morning. You are encouraged to car-pool or arrange a lift from Kilcock train station and you will be sent an opt-in google form to offer or receive a lift.

Please read the Cancellation policy:

By continuing with this booking you agree to our cancellation terms and conditions. As we are holding a place for you registrants will withhold full payment in the event of non-attendance. If a cancellation or transfer request is made up to 2 weeks before the event a fee of €30 applies. If you cancel for any reason within 1 week of the event a fee of 50% of the course fee will apply. Refunds will not be granted if a registrant fails to attend an event, or cancels within 72 hours of the event. Substitutions may be made up to 24hrs before an event and a booking form must be completed by your substitute etc. Please call Ciara at 086 319 9515 if you don't get an email response to ensure a cancellation/transfer request has been received.

If you have any questions please ask Ciara at info@forestschoolireland.ie.

Happy trails,

Ciara

See www.forestschoolireland.ie for even more courses! 

We offer CPD's for County/City Childcare Committees, Education Centres, Staff training for schools and organisations, just email us at info@forestschoolireland.ie.

Join this mailing list for quarterly updates from Forest School Ireland.

Did you know Forest School has a registered national charity in Ireland? See https://irishforestschoolassociation.ie/ for more information about the growing Irish Forest School movement.