Please read this first
Welcome!
So, what is Blended Learning?
Blended learning describes a widely used learning approach in which the learner (you!) accesses the training materials though a mixture of online and face to face learning experiences.
Cambium Blended learning courses, including this one, follow a specific pattern:
- The online portion of the course is completed within an achievable period, usually 2 months.
- This period of self-study is followed by 6 in-person training days, where you will have the chance to connect with other learners and your trainer and take part in a range of practical activities and experiences. Your in-person trainer will be in touch with further information about these days.
- Finally, you will complete a further period of self study, supported by your trainer and an online tutorial, to complete the portfolio. In the case of this course, this is 9 months from the face to face training day.
As part of this part of the training, you will need to deliver and evidence 6 Forest School sessions, and be assessed during 1 of these, in your own setting.
Can I complete the learning in this course online?
You can complete the theoretical learning online, but as noted above you will also need access to your Forest School area to complete some parts of the portfolio. Certification is also subject to taking part in the in-person training days and tutorial with your trainer and the submission of a completed portfolio that meets the Assessment Criteria of the course.
As you proceed through the course, you will sometimes come across the woodland symbol above. This means that those sections which will require access to your Forest School area and sometimes a group of children to work with before the related reflective task can be completed.
If you cannot access your Forest School site or run sessions immediately, you can still do the theoretical work and return to the relevant section later - again, discuss this with your trainer.
How will the online training work?
You'll need to make sure you read and engage with each section as these will give you the knowledge you'll need to understand the Forest School ethos and theory that sits behind it.
Within each unit, the topics, based on the required Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria, are set out in order, in bite-sized sections of text, links, images and videos.
Some sections are much longer than others. You will be encouraged to add your own knowledge and do further research as well. After many of the sections there is a reflective task, usually directly related to the portfolio (see later). The tasks are also intended to encourage a reflective mindset that you will need as you progress as a Forest School Leader.
These reflective tasks will also help you when building your portfolio. In some cases you will use diagrams, conversations and outdoor activities as part of your reflective practice. As noted above, you may need to return to some sections once you have access to your woodland site, or you have delivered some Forest School sessions.