At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor learning experiences and inspire others to connect with nature.
- Company: Suffolk Wildlife Trust, dedicated to promoting outdoor education.
- Benefits: Gain practical skills, First Aid certification, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Hands-on training in a beautiful woodland setting with great career potential.
- Why this job: Empower young minds through nature-based learning and leadership.
- Qualifications: Must be over 21 with relevant teaching or youth work experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Level 3 Forest School Leader short course is an OCN accredited eight-day program designed for individuals aspiring to lead Forest School programs. Participants will gain expertise in Forest School program delivery, learning and development, planning, practical skills, and woodland environment exploration. The course focuses on developing leadership, facilitation, teaching skills, and understanding the ethos of Forest School, catering to early years practitioners, teachers, youth workers, and professionals training to become Forest School Leaders.
Key Topics Covered:
- Forest School approach to learning
- Holistic development
- Positive attitudes towards risk‑taking
- Safe fire management
- Outdoor cooking
- Hand tool usage
- Woodland flora and fauna identification
- Sustainable woodland practices within a Forest School context
Course Experience:
Participants will engage in hands‑on activities, games, and learning experiences aimed at fostering a deeper connection with nature. By the end of the training, individuals will be equipped to plan and deliver a six‑week Forest School program and complete a coursework portfolio within 12 months of course commencement.
Eligibility & Prerequisites:
Participants are required to be over 21 years old and hold a Level 2 qualification in teaching or youth work, or display significant experience working with young people. Additionally, all attendees must demonstrate the ability to deliver a six‑session Forest School pilot program during their training and obtain a First Aid certificate by the course’s conclusion.
Course Fee: £950, with an option for installment payments and eligibility for an advanced learner loan. Individuals who have previously completed OCN accredited Forest School training with Suffolk Wildlife Trust within 18 months of the Level 3 course start date may have the opportunity to top‑up at a reduced price.
Target Audience: The target audience for this course includes adults, beginners, early years practitioners, teachers, teaching assistants, and individuals interested in promoting outdoor education and nature‑based learning.
Logistics: Participants will need to bring suitable outdoor clothing, footwear, a packed lunch, and a camera for documenting activities, while the course provides necessary tools, equipment, paperwork, and refreshments.
Benefits: Overall, the Level 3 Forest School Leader course offers a comprehensive learning experience tailored to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead engaging and educational Forest School programs. By blending theory with practical application in a woodland setting, the course fosters an appreciation for nature, promotes outdoor learning, and instills a sense of environmental stewardship among participants.
Forest School Leader: Inspire Outdoor Learning & Leadership employer: Suffolk Wildlife Trust
As a leader in outdoor education, our company offers a vibrant work culture that values creativity, collaboration, and a deep connection to nature. Employees benefit from comprehensive training programs, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to inspire future generations through engaging Forest School initiatives. Located in a picturesque woodland setting, we provide a unique environment that fosters both personal and professional development while promoting sustainable practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Leader: Inspire Outdoor Learning & Leadership
✨Dive into Adult Education Networks
Get involved with local adult education networks and workshops. These communities are filled with professionals who can offer insight into the field and might know of trainee opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential mentors!
✨Volunteer for Community Learning Events
Look for volunteer opportunities in community centres or educational organisations. Hands-on experience running workshops or assisting in classes can really help you stand out when you apply for trainee positions. Plus, you’ll expand your network within the sector.
✨Leverage University Career Resources
If you’re a student or recent grad, make sure to use your university's career services. They often have listings for trainee roles exclusive to students and can connect you with alumni working in adult education.
✨Apply via Our Website for Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for the Forest School Leader: Inspire Outdoor Learning & Leadership role at Suffolk Wildlife Trust. This gives you a direct line to us, and we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are genuinely interested in adult continuing education.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Leader: Inspire Outdoor Learning & Leadership
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Lifelong Learning:In a field like adult and continuing education, it's super important to showcase your enthusiasm for helping others learn and grow. Use your cover letter to share any personal experiences that sparked your interest in adult education—maybe you’ve volunteered in teaching roles or participated in workshops that changed your perspective.
Highlight Relevant Experience, Even If It's Informal:Don’t fret if you haven’t held a formal position in adult education yet! We love seeing any relevant experience, including tutoring, mentoring, or even organising study groups. Make sure to emphasise these experiences on your CV and explain what skills you gained from them—such as communication, patience, or creativity in lesson planning.
Tailor Your CV for Us:When applying for the trainee role at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, be sure to adapt your CV to highlight the skills that matter most in adult education. Focus on any accommodating learning methods you're familiar with or tools you’ve used to engage learners of different backgrounds. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Get Creative with Your Application:Since this is a trainee role, we want to see your potential and willingness to learn. Don’t hesitate to get creative in your application! Consider including a brief outline of a project you’d love to tackle in adult education or share any innovative ideas for engaging adults in learning—this can really make you stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Wildlife Trust
✨Be Ready to Share Your Passion for Education
As a trainee in the adult continuing education space, it’s vital to communicate your genuine enthusiasm for teaching and helping others learn. Think of personal anecdotes or experiences where you've engaged with adult learners — this will show Suffolk Wildlife Trust that you're not just in it for a job; you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Brush Up on Educational Theories and Practices
Expect to face questions about adult learning principles or techniques like andragogy. Familiarising yourself with key theories will not only prepare you for possible technical questions but will also allow us to engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers at Suffolk Wildlife Trust about how you envision applying these concepts in practice.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn and Adapt
As a trainee, your potential and willingness to grow are just as important as your current skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to new learning environments before; it's a great way to demonstrate your ability to take feedback and develop your teaching style as you train with Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
✨Prepare for Role-Playing or Scenario Questions
You might encounter role-playing scenarios where you’ll need to demonstrate how you'd handle real-life teaching situations. Practise responding to potential learner challenges you might face in adult education. Show us how you could guide a reluctant learner or manage a diverse classroom setting, which will impress the interviewers at Suffolk Wildlife Trust!
