Key Stage 4 & Post 16 Transition Programme
Forest College
Forest College KS4 and Post 16 Transition Programme
The Forest College programme is designed to re-engage young people with learning. It supports young people to feel positive about themselves and their abilities through a bespoke alternative provision. Graduates of the course have increased confidence and self-esteem as well as reduced anxiety and improved resilience.
Our alternative provision based at the Reaseheath College campus in Nantwich is built on research evidencing the benefits of engaging with the natural environment. Spending time outdoors reduces cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure and stimulates the immune system. All these benefits make our outdoor education programmes a superb option for re-engaging young people with learning.
Forest College is a 30-week bespoke education programme for 1-3 days each week throughout the academic year beginning in October.
Our students work in small groups of six to eight. There are no formal qualifications in the programme and very little time will be spent on paperwork or traditional classroom-based learning.
The Forest College programme is designed to be flexible, to engage young people with learning, and to promote resilience and self-belief. It is a 30-week programme, but because there is no formal qualification, it is possible for students to enrol later in the academic year (if there are spaces) or to have a long transition onto the programme if required.
Forest College staff are experienced in working with young people with barriers to learning and SEND.
Success for Forest College students is measured in terms of attendance, engagement, resilience and the desire to carry on with a journey of learning. We encourage development of social skills, motivation and aspirations.
We provide ongoing support for students who have graduated from Forest College and transitioned into mainstream college programmes at Reaseheath. Our past students have gained the confidence to build a future for themselves through education.
Additional Information:
As an alternative provision, our KS4 Forest College students are unable to access the standard college transport. Parents or carers of pupils must arrange and fund their own transport. Most students arrive at college by taxi or parents / carers transport them.
We offer flexible, bespoke learning programmes at Reaseheath College, Nantwich. Our alternative education provision commences after October half term and runs 3 days a week, from 10am – 3pm. Attendance is expected for 1 – 3 days per week as agreed in advance.
Enquire today:
caroline.bs@reaseheath.ac.uk | 01270 613160 | 07817 526 185
Forest College is run as small group activities. Students targets and working goals are identified from wellbeing and interaction observations, EHCP Outcomes and any other learning plans from school or home. These vary but can include communication and interaction, social/emotional mental health, physical or sensory needs and cognition and learning.
The Forest College curriculum is designed to facilitate the development of the skills that our students need to succeed.
The students are supported to gradually build resilience and learn important life skills. They are encouraged to integrate at their own pace and to become involved in activities when they are ready, and there is no pressure on them to participate, they are allowed to just observe for as long as they need. After just one term, all our students reported a reduction in anxiety and an increase in engagement and aspiration to join the wider college.