Developing the Forest School and Outdoor Learning Leader @ SCQF Level 8

An outdoor learning leadership award that incorporates the Forest School Practitioner Award. This qualification is designed to enable you to independently lead Forest School and Outdoor Learning sessions. If you're interested in registering for this course, please scroll down to the course overview section to see all current course dates available.

Location
1 Location Available
i
- Barony
Subject area:
Forestry
Cost:
£1296.00
Duration:
12 months
Awarding Body:
Other
Course Code:
HTFOLA

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Overview & what's involved

The award at level 8 is a qualification designed to enable learners to independently lead Forest School and Outdoor Learning sessions. Learners will be secure in the knowledge and skills of being in the forest and the outdoors and will be confident to communicate these skills to others. The approach to learning is to focus on the person holistically within the forest and outdoor environment to their mutual benefit.

Course dates:
Start date: 1 October 2025
Block Week 1: 3-7 November 2025
Block Week 2: 4-8 May 2026
End date: 30 September 2026

Entry requirements

Ideally you will be able to demonstrate literacy at SCQF Level 5/6 or have completed the FOLA Level 6. You are required to be over the age of 18 to complete the FOLA Level 8 and hold a current PVG certificate prior to delivering your 8 Forest School sessions.

Full description

The award at level 8 is a qualification designed to enable learners to independently lead Forest School and Outdoor Learning sessions. Learners will be secure in the knowledge and skills of being in the forest and the outdoors and will be confident to communicate these skills to others. The approach to learning is to focus on the person holistically within the forest and outdoor environment to their mutual benefit.

The course is based in woodland surrounding our Barony campus.

The course has a taught element run over the equivalent of ten days, with additional time required to complete assessments, documentation and the planning and delivery of a programme of six Forest School sessions. Learners should complete the full course within one year of completing the taught element.

To achieve this qualification, learners are also required to complete an Outdoor First Aid qualification, which is available through SRUC if required.

Duration: 12 months (with 10 days face-to-face delivery)

What to bring

You don’t need any specialist equipment to complete the FOLA Level 8 qualification. You do need bring a packed lunch and snacks alternatively, we have a canteen on campus which serves various hot and cold food options.

Other kit you may like to bring includes:

sturdy walking boots
waterproof coat and trousers
long-sleeved shirt and trousers
spare clothes (in case of heavy rain)
flask and water bottle
camping chair (if log seats are not for you)
stationary (notebook and pens)
seasonal hat/gloves
sun cream
insect repellent
rucksack to keep your kit in
antibacterial hand gel
wildlife ID books
A4 folder for your portfolio

Contact details and cancellation

Contact:

Oatridge: 01506 534519, oatridgetraining@sruc.ac.uk
Aberdeen: 01334 658960, aberdeentraining@sruc.ac.uk
Elmwood: 01334 658960 elmwoodtraining@sruc.ac.uk
Barony 01387 860251, baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

Cancellations:

Cancellations must be made at least 10 working days prior to the course start date otherwise the full course fee is still payable. In the event that SRUC has to cancel a course for any reason your course fees will be refunded in full or your booking transferred to the next available date if this is suitable.