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!
