During the Easter holidays, Ashton Higher and Adult Education students currently studying for their PGCE attended a Forest School morning. 

The Forest School morning took place at Higher Openshaw Community School. Forest School is a holistic learning process across a period of time that works to develop confidence in young people through hands on learning experiences. The aim of Forest School learning is to compliment a traditional learning environment. 

The outdoors is a huge part of Forest School learning and during the visit, PGCE students were able to build fires and cook bread on the open fire. An alternative to the classroom environment, this approach develops a number of skills and self-esteem in everyday life, to allow students to apply those skills to more traditional environments.

At Ashton Sixth Form College, the Higher and Adult Education department offer a Level 3 in Forest School Leader, which is in partnership with the Heys Primary School. Qualified practitioners facilitate sessions and while working towards the Level 3 qualification, students will build up a portfolio, and run their own Forest School sessions in an environment of their choice. 

Find out more about the Level 3 in Forest School Leader here. 

Find out more about Ashton Higher and Adult Education here.