Forest School
Forest School is an educational approach where children regularly spend time learning in an outdoor woodland environment. It's different from traditional classroom teaching because it focuses on hands-on experiences, nature exploration, and personal development through outdoor activities. This teaching method originated in Scandinavia and has become increasingly popular in many countries. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it refers to either specialized outdoor education programs or traditional schools that incorporate regular outdoor learning sessions into their curriculum. Similar terms include "outdoor education," "nature-based learning," or "woodland education."
Examples in Resumes
Trained and qualified Forest School Leader, delivering weekly outdoor learning sessions
Developed and implemented Forest School curriculum for Key Stage 1 students
Led Forest School activities including risk assessment and safety management
Typical job title: "Forest School Leaders"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Forest School Leaders
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Social Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop and implement a Forest School program from scratch?
Expected Answer: Should discuss program planning, risk assessment, staff training, obtaining necessary permissions, creating age-appropriate activities, and working with school administration to integrate the program into the curriculum.
Q: How do you measure and demonstrate the impact of Forest School activities on children's development?
Expected Answer: Should explain observation techniques, documentation methods, assessment strategies, and ways to communicate progress to parents and school leadership.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you manage risk in Forest School activities while maintaining the element of challenge?
Expected Answer: Should describe risk-benefit assessment process, safety procedures, and how to create challenging but safe learning experiences.
Q: What strategies do you use to engage children who are initially reluctant to participate in outdoor learning?
Expected Answer: Should discuss gradual introduction techniques, confidence-building activities, and ways to make outdoor learning accessible to all children.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of Forest School?
Expected Answer: Should mention regular outdoor sessions, learner-centered approach, nature connection, and personal development through hands-on activities.
Q: How do you prepare for a typical Forest School session?
Expected Answer: Should discuss weather considerations, equipment checks, activity planning, and basic safety preparations.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic Forest School qualification
- First aid certification
- Simple outdoor activity leadership
- Basic risk assessment
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced Forest School certification
- Curriculum development
- Behavior management outdoors
- Extended activity planning
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and management
- Staff training and supervision
- Policy development
- Strategic planning for outdoor education
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal Forest School qualification
- Lack of first aid certification
- No experience with risk assessment
- Poor understanding of child development stages
- No practical outdoor experience
Related Terms
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