FOLA 5 with The Green Team (2)

Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) SCQF Level 5

Aged 14-18 years, looking for a next step, but struggling to engage in a mainstream learning environment?

The Green Team supports small groups of young people (14-18 years) with their Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) SCQF Level 5.

Our FOLA 5 group meets weekly during term time, for 11 weeks.

Young people who are struggling to engage in a mainstream learning environment are especially welcome to apply to our FOLA 5 Programme.

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.

FOLA 5 with The Green Team

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.

Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA 5)
Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA 5)
Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA 5)
Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA 5)

FOLA 5 Programme Details

The FOLA 5 group meets weekly during term time (for 11 weeks) 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.

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.

Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA 5)
Forest Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA 5)

APPLYING FOR FOLA 5 – WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

If you support someone who could benefit from this programme, please contact Programme Leader Kate Hedges,

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 CONTACT KATE HEDGES >>

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.

FOLA 5 with The Green Team (1)

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?

Find out more about Thrive >>

Thrive Programme 2025 - thriving a year later with The Green Team