Borders
Neurodiversity
Support for
Young People
AIMS OF THE HARRIS TRUST WITH A
PERSON-CENTRED
APPROACH TO LEARNING
Judy Paul, FOLA Lecturer from Newbattle Abbey College, Dalkeith has been working with Harris Trust since 2023 developing a Forest and Outdoor Learning Award programme for children and young people in Selkirkshire primary and secondary schools. We have been using the forest areas in the Haining, Riddell Estate and Mauldsheugh.
The programme is very much in keeping with the aims of the Harris Trust and has a person-centred approach to learning. The young people have choice over activities and can move between activities allowing them to determine their own learning and the pace of that learning.
Each block runs for 10 weeks and the young people are introduced to nature discovery, species identification, making shelters using knots and tarpaulins, using hand tools, woodcraft, and cooking with sustainable practice
underpinning all.
Staff and parents have given very positive feedback on the programme commenting on how it helps students with motivation, working together and gaining confidence.
There are various levels of awards for students from SCQF level 2 to level 5. Harris Trust has also funded 2 members of staff to receive training in FOLA awards to Level 8 qualification so that they will be able to deliver the awards themselves in future, making this programme sustainable.
Harris trust encourages other schools
interested in this programme to get in touch!
May 2025
Outdoor LEARNING
Success 2025
Harris Trust and Selkirk High School Celebrates Forest and Outdoor Learning Success Following completion of a yearlong course run by Newbattle Abbey College and funded by the Harris Trust, Selkirk High School staff members, John Baxter and Anna Johnson have successfully achieved their Forest and Outdoor Learning Leadership Award Level 8.
This respected qualification, recognised by the Forest School Association, officially acknowledges both John and Anna as certified Forest School Leaders and Practitioners.Their achievement marks a significant milestone in enhancing outdoor education opportunities for young people in the Selkirk area. A forest school is an outdoor, nature-based learning approach where children develop confidence, social skills, and independence through hands-on experiences in a woodland or natural environment, guided by trained leaders.
Headteacher, Jamie Bryson commented,
“We are absolutely delighted with John and Anna’s achievement. This qualification brings invaluable skills to our school community, promoting confidence, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world among our young people.”
John says,
“It has been a fantastic year of learning where I found the coursework to be both fascinating and engaging. This new qualification allows me to lead Forest School sessions, opening up the world of our forest and outdoor environment to a wide range of our young people. This will be invaluable in our school setting where young people will be able to develop new skills, build confidence and self esteem and foster a love for the outdoors. I’m extremely grateful to Jane and the Harris Trust for providing us the opportunity to be part of the course. It is a qualification that will be of huge value going forward!”
Anna says,
"Harris Trust sponsoring the FOLA 8 training has opened up a wide range of opportunities for outdoor learning, not just in the practical skills but has also provided the means to connect with nature and improve mental well-being. I can turn something that I enjoy and feel passionate about, the natural environment, into a structured learning experience that has health and well-being at its core."