Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) SCQF Level 5
Apply NOW for Jan 2026.
Aged 14-18 years, looking for a next step, but struggling to engage in a mainstream learning environment?
From January-April 2026, The Green Team is supporting 8 young people (14-18 years) with their Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) SCQF Level 5.
Our FOLA 5 group will meet every Wednesday, 9:15am-3pm, during term time.
Young people who are struggling to engage in a mainstream learning environment are especially welcome to apply to our FOLA 5 Programme.
FOLA 5 with The Green Team
FOLA Awards are inclusive, accessible and flexible, supporting alternative curriculum and attainment and are credit rated to internationally recognised SCQF levels. Forest Outdoor Learning Awards (FOLA) SCQF Level 5 is a certified Award (6 credits) for those looking to develop skills in forest and outdoor learning.
As with The Green Team’s award-winning Thrive programme which also supports 14-18 year olds, our FOLA approach and focus is on building self-confidence, resilience and attainment through connection to nature and practical learning.
FOLA 5 Programme Details
WHEN
FOLA 5 Programme Dates – Wed 7 Jan- Wed 1 Apr 2026 (weekly during term time)
There are 11 sessions. Sessions run from 9:15am-3pm.
WHERE
The FOLA 5 group meet every Wednesday (term time) at The Green Team HQ at The Risk Factory, 20 New Mart Road, Edinburgh. The group then travel together in the Green Team minibus to our woodland in Midlothian.
WHAT
Participants work in a small group of up to 8 young people.
The FOLA Award introduces learners to the forest environment, to become competent in being and working in the forest. Participants develop the practical application of skills for conservation and sustainability.
The programme includes:
- assessing risks, wearing appropriate clothing, and using tools
- participating in practical conservation tasks including tree planting, improving footpaths, and removing invasive species
- woodland survival skills such as fire lighting, wood carving, hammocks and cooking over the fire
- nature connection including surveying, identifying plants and animals, and environmental art
- carrying out a practical independent project to enhance the woodland
COST
£300pp – this includes your FOLA Award registration, SCQF certification, 11 programme sessions, equipment and group travel from and back to the meeting point.
We ask that referring agencies and parents/ carers support young people to attend the programme with reminders, lunch, and taxis where needed.
APPLYING FOR FOLA 5 – WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
- If you support someone who could benefit from this programme, please download and complete the FOLA 5 Application Form
- The Green Team will confirm receipt and acceptance/ waiting list, and send the joining pack
- Upon receipt of completed forms and full payment, the participant will have their place secured
- Please contact Programme Leader Kate Hedges, if you have any queries
Please note: We are unable to accept applications for young people with behavioural issues. Young people must be able to work in a group setting. Please get in touch with Kate Hedges to discuss an application, if preferred,
More about FOLA Awards
FOLA Awards are grounded in the ethos of ‘Forest School’ and support Curriculum for Excellence and the Attainment Challenge in Scotland. The awards also seek to support the development of skills for Learning, Life and Work. FOLA certification is formally recognised by the Forest School Association and is developed in partnership with Newbattle Abbey College and Forest School Training Co. (FSTC) in Scotland.
More about FOLA Awards
FOLA Awards are grounded in the ethos of ‘Forest School’ and support Curriculum for Excellence and the Attainment Challenge in Scotland. The awards also seek to support the development of skills for Learning, Life and Work.
FOLA certification is formally recognised by the Forest School Association and is developed in partnership with Newbattle Abbey College and Forest School Training Co. (FSTC) in Scotland.
Discover more about Thrive
Thrive is one of The Green Team’s most established and impactful programmes, successfully supporting some of Edinburgh’s hard to reach young people. It is a specialist therapeutic programme for young people wanting to improve their mental health and can have a positive lifelong impact.
Are you a young person who feels you would benefit from Thrive?
Working with a young person who you feel would benefit from Thrive?
