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FSC2572 Forest School – A Holistic Approach to Education
Course Description
Dive into the enriching world of Forest School with our online teacher summer course, “Forest School – A Holistic Approach to Education.” Designed for educators eager to incorporate outdoor learning, this course provides an exploration of Forest School principles, pedagogy, and practices. Participants will gain insights into the benefits of outdoor learning, understand the theoretical foundations underpinning Forest School, and develop practical strategies for implementing a Forest School program that supports learning, behaviour, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
- Introduction to Forest School: Understand the essence of Forest School and Nature Pedagogy, its growth in Ireland, and how to adapt its practices to different environments.
- Behavioural Theories and Neurodiversity: Delve into behavioural theories, explore effective modelling methods, and learn strategies for supporting neurodiversity in an outdoor learning context.
- Principles of Forest School: Familiarise yourself with the six key principles of Forest School, laying the foundation for a successful program.
- Preparing for Forest School: Learn to design health and safety policies, manage learning sites responsibly, plan engaging sessions, and incorporate technology effectively.
- Practical Session Planning: Experience planning a sample Forest School session, from transitioning outdoors to conducting activities and facilitating reflections, all while linking back to curriculum objectives.
This course is perfect for teachers and school leaders in Ireland who are passionate about outdoor learning and seeking to create dynamic, engaging, and supportive learning environments outside the traditional classroom. Whether you’re new to the concept of Forest School or looking to enhance your existing outdoor education practices, this course offers valuable insights and strategies for success.
Enrol today and embark on a transformative journey towards holistic education with Forest School.
Essential Details
Enrolment Closes In
Course Information
EPV Days – this course is approved by the Dept. of Education for qualification of EPV days. The more courses you select, the more EPV days you receive:
- 1 online course – 3 EPV days entitlement
- 2 online courses – 4 EPV days entitlement
- 3 online courses – 5 EPV days entitlement
Requirements: All our courses are run in accordance with the Department of Education and Skills criteria.
Training Period: Courses begin on Tuesday, 1st July 2025 at 9:00am and must be completed by Friday, 22nd August 2025 at 5.00pm.
Course Length: Each course requires approximately 20 hours of study including time to complete any assessments.
Support: The Discussion forums are facilitated by expert moderators.
Course Fees: Courses may be purchased either online or by phone.
- One course €69
- Two courses €89
- Three courses €99
Questions and Support: Our Support team are on hand to answer all your queries, either by phone, live chat or e-mail.
Certification: When you have successfully completed your course, you will receive your CPD Certificate.
- Study Online
- 5-Star Reviews
People love training with us! Our average review score is 5/5
- Award Winning
Winner of “Best Online Education Experience” at the Education Awards 2022
- Human Support
We have 8 offices across Ireland with teams ready to help via phone, email, forums & chat
- 5 EPV Days for €99
All our courses are approved for EPV days from the Dept of Education
- No Risk Guarantee
Full course fees refund if you’re not happy for any reason within 21 days of enrolment
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy
- Explore Forest School and Nature Pedagogy
- Study the growth of Forest School in Ireland
- Explain the benefits of Forest School
- Develop strategies for adapting Forest School to your environment
Module 2: Behavioural Theories Underpinning Forest School
- Looking at Our School- Explore the child as a holistic, integrated person
- Analyse the effectiveness of behaviourism
- Form engaging and effective modelling methods
- Develop strategies for working with children with neurodiversity
Module 3: Exploring the 6 Principles of Forest School
- Identify and explore the 6 key principles of Forest School
Module 4: Preparing for Forest School
- Analyse important principles and starting points
- Designing health and safety policies and procedures
- Exploring safeguarding and equality policies and procedures to consider
- Learning site management to reduce impact and enhance site and learning
- Develop communication skills
- Study how to plan sessions
- Explore the inclusion of technology
Module 5: A Sample Forest School Session
- Transitioning from classroom to Forest School
- Boundary marking
- Introduce activity
- Gathering for reflection
- Observations and reflection
- Ways to link with curriculum objectives
- School Self Evaluation
Enrolment Closes In
How to Enrol
- 1. Select Your Course
Select your preferred course and click “Add to Cart”
- 2. Find More Courses
Continue to review our complete course list and select other courses by clicking “Add to Cart” on each course page.
- 3. Check Order
When you have selected and added all your courses, click on the shopping cart icon at the top of the page or click on the “Go to Checkout” button.
- 4. Check Out
On the checkout page, you should see all courses listed with total course fees and discounts included (€69 for single courses, €89 for two courses, €99 for three courses)
- 5. Make Payment
Complete the form and add your payment details. The click “Confirm Enrolment” to securely process payment and enrol.
- 6. Receive Login Credentials
Once payment is confirmed, you should receive an confirmation email with your login details (this may arrive in your email “Spam” folder).
- 7. Start Training
You should then be able to login and commence your training. If you are enrolling before the the course start date, you’ll find that you can only access the course after the start date and time.
- 8. Receive Certificate
Once you have completed your training and all the required steps outlined in the course, you’ll be able to request your certificate to download / print and progress to your next course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are you expected to do to complete the course?
The course completion requirements are as follows:
You are required to post two comments to the forum post at the end of each module throughout the course. Each contribution is required to be at least 100 words.
Your progression from module to module is contingent on the successful completion of these assignments.
The end of course reflective assignment must demonstrate achievement of the course’s stated learning outcomes.
You will be required to complete a minimum of 10 hours online and an additional 10 hours either online or offline
How do I access the courses I booked on the site?
If you signed up for your course online you will have received an email with login details to start your training. Please check your spam/junk email folder as it may have landed in there.
I’ve one of my courses completed and my end of course assignment is not graded yet. Why is there a delay?
All our course facilitators monitor the progress of every teacher on their respective course so please allow up to 2 weeks for the grade and feedback for the End of Course assignment.
How are the courses structured?
The courses contain 5 modules each of which is made up of individual lessons.
How much time do I need to spend at the course?
You are required to engage with the course for a total of 20 hours (10 Hours online is mandatory and the remaining 10 hours can be online or offline for other learning activities)
Can I spread the 20 hours over a period of time or complete it all in a couple of days?
Yes you can decide to do either. It is up to you what way you want to complete the course, once you demonstrate engagement for a total of 20 hours (10 of these must be online)
I am wondering after each module are you required to reply to the forum post? If so, how many comments?
You are required to post to the forum posts at the end of each module throughout the course. You will need to post two comments. Each contribution is required to be at least 100 words.
I cannot progress to the next module, even though I have completed the previous module and all questions / assignments?
This is usually caused by not meeting the criteria for completing the previous module, in particular posting at least two contributions to the course forum.
What is the minimum length of answer for the End of Course Reflective Assignment?
The minimum word count is to be no less than 300 words and not more than 500 words.
How do I know how I am progressing if I do not receive a grade until after I have completed the course? I’m afraid I will fail!
Naturally, like most courses, it is only possible to evaluate your grade when you have completed the course.
There is two parts to the assessment:
<strong>1. Meeting the Minimum Criteria:</strong> You are required to complete all 5 modules, regularly contribute to the course forum after each module (at least 2 meaningful contributions per module).
<strong>2. Assignments:</strong> You must complete Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and posts to the forums at the end of each module, as well as an overall End of Course Assignment. Once you have met each of these conditions, you should qualify for your EPV days and receiving your Flúirse certificate of completion.
You’ll be glad to hear that ALL our course facilitators monitor the progress of every teacher on their respective course and will always inform them before the course closing date if they do not appear to have met the above criteria for any reason.
More questions? Check our FAQ Section.
Why Train With Us?
- Training Irish Primary School Teachers Online Since 2007
Train when and where it suits you: from your Laptop, Phone or Tablet
- 8 Diverse Categories with Over 48 Courses Now Enrolling
We now offer over 48 highly practical courses designed specifically for Irish Primary School Teachers
- All Courses Dept of Education Approved for EPV Days
All our courses are approved by the Dept. of Education for EPV days allowing you to earn between 3 and 5 days
- Secure 5 EPV Days for Just €99
All our courses are approved for EPV days from the Dept of Education
- 21 Day No Quibble Refund Option On All Courses
Full course fees refund if you’re not happy for any reason within 21 days of enrolment
- All Online Training Supported By Real People!
We have 8 offices across Ireland with teams ready to help via phone, email, forums & chat
- Award Winning Irish Organisation
Winner of “Best Online Education Experience” at the Education Awards 2022
- 5 Star Reviews
People love training with us! Our average review score is 5/5