Selkirk High School Celebrates Forest and Outdoor Learning Success

Harris Trust and Selkirk High School Celebrates Forest and Outdoor Learning Success following completion of a year-long 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.

“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.'​