Question 1

Who is the The Forest School Framework for?

Accepted Answer

The Forest School Framework is for ALL learners, from EYFS to KS3. It is built with the ethos of inclusion in mind with engagement and child-centred learning at its core. We have a wide range of settings using the framework, including primaries, secondaries, alternative provisions, nurseries and home education groups. Both schools and freelance Forest School providers use our framework and have been thrilled with the holistic benefits and having a meaningful way to record and reflect on engagement with the added bonus of celebrating learning.

Question 2

What is included in The Forest School Framework membership?

Accepted Answer

The framework is a complete bank of downloadable resources, offering choice for learners and leaders.The Framework includesBadge Journal This is an editable journal, including:a focus badge with suggested emerging observation descriptorsa clear framework for recording engagement as skills and qualities emerge linked to the badgeWild Invitations-open ended suggestions linked to badges to support exploration and nature connectionspace to jot down plans and record session reflections, add photos or drawings. These can be completed by the leader or learner and are a great way to celebrate learning once complete. (Downloads in MS PowerPoint).SPICES holistic trackerBadge specific certificateBadge HandbookThe Badge Handbook is an overview of all of the badges offered by the framework and can also be used as a record book kept by learners to remember all of their adventures.Leader HandbookA guide to support the implementation of the resources in your setting including:how to fill out the Badge Journal trackershow the engagement framework can be used to benefit child-centred learningHow to use the Badge Handbook to provide choice and a record of engagementHow the SPICES recording can support tracking impact on holistic developmentSupport child-centred planning, observation, reflection and  celebration.The Forest School Framework Printable Badges40mm, full colour badges. 20 per sheet.Simply print out and then share with your learners to celebrate engagement. These are not 'achieved', they are used to recognise where their unique learning journey has led themWhy not stick to wood cookie medals? Or print directly onto sticker paper.

Question 3

What are the 3 core areas of The Forest School Framework?

Accepted Answer

The Forest School Framework is built around 3 core areas:SkillsKnowledgeHolisticBadges within each of these core areas are organised into categories:Core area: Skills  Category: ToolsBadge: Bow SawSkill badges focus on developing specific skill areas linked to outdoor learning e.g. using knots or techniques in outdoor cooking.Knowledge badges support engagement in understanding the natural world, such as native flora and fauna.Holistic badges focus on engagement with invaluable interpersonal qualities and skills in learners, such as leadership and teamwork.

Question 4

What type of setting is The Forest School Framework suitable for?

Accepted Answer

Any setting with an outdoor space and plenty of enthusiasm for the outdoors! Every educational setting is different, it may be urban, rural or somewhere in between. There are over 50 badges to choose from, so you're guaranteed to be able to facilitate something your learners are interested in. Nurseries, SEND, EYFS, Primaries, Outdoor Learning Centres, CICs, PRUs, secondary settings, afterschool clubs and home educators all take advantage of the learning resources available from Wild Warrior Education with fantastic results!

Question 5

When should I deliver the Forest School Framework?

Accepted Answer

It is designed to be used all year round, in any season.

Encourage learners to use the Badge Guide as a stimulus for what they would like to do in the outdoors. This could be displayed in your setting, or shared at the beginning of sessions. We believe choice is key in supporting child-centred learning and this is a great way to begin that journey.  Conversely, when facilitating sessions, it may be more natural to match their interests to a badge retrospectively and their learning journey throughout sessions may turn in many different directions. Badge Journals aren't exhaustive and don't need to be the sole focus of every session. Dip into them over several sessions and observe carefully as learners skills and qualities emerge over time.The badge descriptors and Wild Invitations are great to use as ideas for activities but certainly don’t need to be used as a prescriptively. Some badges may be better for a specific season, such as the Bug Hunter, which will be more suited to warmer seasons.

Question 6

How often should I use the framework?

Accepted Answer

There are several approaches to Forest School and outdoor learning and many factors can put pressure on how this type of learning is carried out, but a commonly held principle is that outdoor learning should be carried out over a sustained period of time to really allow learners to build meaningful connection with nature and consolidate their interests. After several weeks, or when a unit of sessions conclude e.g. half term, would be a great time to finalise the appropriate Badge Journal and celebrate learning and development.

Question 7

Should I link the framework to our current curriculum or use it as a stand alone framework?

Accepted Answer

The Forest School Framework is totally flexible. There is no need to 'complete' badges and there is no right or wrong order, although some badges may link closely to others. As such, we define the resources as a 'framework', rather than a 'curriculum'. It is important to us to make this distinction so that we align with Forest School principles. We believe Forest School should empower learners to make choices and have designed it to avoid the trap of learning objectives and the expectation for linear progress and achievement. That's why we employ a thoughtfully developed engagement tracker as the key focus for recording and celebrating learning.Whilst it is designed to use as a stand alone framework naturally, it does link to other areas of the curriculum, such as Science, English or Maths and it may be a requirement of some settings to make these links in order to fill wider curriculum requirements (as teachers we understand the competing demands of curricula!).If required, select the badges most appropriate for your learning purpose. You can be guided by the badge descriptors and engagement tracking, but these are not exhaustive and not designed to dictate learning experiences, which means that they can be used very flexibly and woven into the interests of the learners or needs of the curriculum if this is most suitable for your setting or learner needs.

Question 8

How do learners progress through the framework?

Accepted Answer

The framework is choice based with a strong focus on engagement, enabling learners of all needs to demonstrate development no matter their age or stage. We believe this is a crucial part of outdoor learning, ensuring that everyone has access and their development is valued.The framework is not designed to be 'completed', think of it more as a 'pick n mix' library, where interests can be met as and when needed.

Question 9

What do the engagement stages mean?

Accepted Answer

There are 5 engagement stages. These have been created by considering 3 theories of learning. They are used to reflect on engagement observed against specific badge descriptors.

Question 10

Do I need special training to deliver the Forest School Framework?

Accepted Answer

The Forest School Framework has been designed by an experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader and SEND Teacher to support child-centred learning.Many of the badges do not require any specific training, just a passion for being in the outdoors and enthusiasm for learning. However, key badges have been designed with specific Forest School/bushcraft type activities in mind and require that settings have appropriately trained staff and risk assessments in place to carry out activities linked to those badges.This responsibility is solely on the education setting or company implementing the framework. All activities are suggestions and not obligations. Appropriate risk assessments, qualified practitioners and health and safety procedures must be in place. Wild Warrior Education accepts no responsibility for any injury or loss caused as a direct or indirect result of implementing our resources.

Question 11

How do I use the Badge Journal?

Accepted Answer

The Badge Journal is a digital download booklet. It is fully editable on a device or can be printed so your learners are able reflect on their sessions and fill in their own. 
Badge DescriptorsThe badge descriptors set out examples of actions you may observe emerging when your learners engage in sessions. The engagement tracker is then used to identify the stage of engagement displayed against each descriptor.Wild InvitationsWild Invitations are open ended activity ideas to inspire you. They include direct and loose links to the badge and can be a great starting point to get learners connecting with nature and outdoor learning.Session RecordingThere is space which can be used to reflect and record sessions as you go. These can be used for every sessions delivered or for a handful of sessions. Add images to bring the learning journey to life or if learners are filling them in, why not ask them to draw what they've been up to?SPICESThe SPICES section enables you to create an overall snapshot of holistic development as a summary at the end of a series of sessions.CertificateThe certificate can be printed separately and given alongside the badge as a cookie keyring when you choose to celebrate learning. It's a memorable keepsake that elevates the impact and value of Forest School and outdoor learning.The Badge Journal can then be printed, shared with learners and parents as a wonderful document of their sessions and recognition of their holistic development.

Question 12

What should I do if I need help or support?

Accepted Answer

If you encounter any problems, we are just an email away! We want to make sure you and your learners are getting the most from your outdoor learning, so we are more than happy to ensure that happens.Contact us at hello@wildwarrioreducation.co.uk and one of our team will be more than happy to help you.

Question 13

What if I can’t find a badge I’d like to use?

Accepted Answer

Get in contact!We’d love to hear from you and your ideas and would be more than happy to collaborate to create you your very own badge and journal. Get in touch here.The sky is the limit!

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