Alternative Education
We work with groups of young people and students aged 8-19 from a wide range of backgrounds and in particular we specialise in supporting young people with Social Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH).
Group Sessions
With our experienced NCFE and BELA qualified tutor Jonathon Huet, young people have been engaging in long-term conservation tasks to improve the biodiversity of the lowland woodlands and chalk-downland of our land in the heart of the South Downs. This is the project that caught the attention of the CPRE judges in 2019.
£240 PER GROUP SESSION
£240 PER GROUP SESSION
PROJECTS
Young Peoples Wild Flower ProjectThe pupils are growing the plants, planting them out and then seeing them flourish in our meadows on the top of the site as well as on the chalk downland area adjacent to our natural woodlands burial.
The biodiversity achieved on the site has created the opportunity to look at basic botany and plant identification which when connected to the uses of plants has really excited the pupils. |
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The pupils set about creating their own natural apothecary collecting wild plants and creating syrups from berries, herbal teas from leaf, bud and flowers enabling them to get to know the plants with a hands-on approach. Sourcing the plants worked a treat at keeping their interest and they were even able to teach their own plant identification walks!
"We are going to collect and bottle wild plants and create our own pharmacy"
A Pupil
"We are going to collect and bottle wild plants and create our own pharmacy"
A Pupil
Young Peoples Woodland Project
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Our NCFE trained tutor Sean has worked with a wide variety of individuals and groups starting in 2005 and the Centre is proud to have played a part in each of these young peoples lives.
Sean specialises in bushcraft, woodland conservation and traditional and historic crafts. He has a wealth of experience in working with hard to reach young people. Feedback from schools and pupils highlights the value of this long term programme for young people. "Sean is an expert in getting the most out of the students. General attendance at school has improved and behaviour has changed for the better. The whole concept of working and being treated as an adult (the students words) has helped them immensely to become rounded, more mature students able to cope with school life."
Head Teacher, The Petersfield School. "The tailor- made programme we created for him with the help of Sean has clearly had an impact on the choices he is making for his future".
Pierre Neollier, Little Green School. "I have found that the Centre has helped me in school and on the streets, I feel that Sean and Anna have showed me how to communicate better." Edward. |
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AWARDS
John Muir Award
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We offer a certificated programme 'Practical Environmental Skills', which covers: Bushcraft/ Survival Skills; Green Wood Crafts & Woodland Management and we can also tailor a programme to suit the groups needs.
The John Muir award is a constant source of inspiration for teaching enabling the students to gain valuable experience in sustainability, conservation and caring for the environment as well as acquiring precious lessons in managing their own emotions and behaviour outside a formal classroom setting.
This is achieved through building skills in team work, self-motivation, communication, self-confidence and leadership. John Muir is an ideal role model as he was a keen adventurer and explorer who achieved so much with little support through his hard work and keen motivation. Pupils can work towards both Practical Environment Skills and the John Muir Award during their placement.
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Young Natural Ambassadors Award
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We have been able to offer a Bursary place to a young person giving them the chance to gain experience of traditional crafts and outdoor skills. This 18 day bursary placement has been spread over a year period enabling participants to work from home on projects started here at the centre.
We have run 6 years of this bursary and previous participants have chosen to focus their time on a range of different skills from bushcraft and conservation to ancient saxon crafts. |
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Extra Information
FOOD
Do bring your own snacks, drinks and a packed lunch to have during the day.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Remember we leave no trace in the woods so bring as little packaging in your snacks as possible. Also please bring a bag to take all of your rubbish away.
PUBLIC ACCESS
Our Grounds are Always Open to the Public. On arrival please come to the main reception to register. Our alternative provision takes place in a dedicated area in the woods.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
Do bring your own snacks, drinks and a packed lunch to have during the day.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Remember we leave no trace in the woods so bring as little packaging in your snacks as possible. Also please bring a bag to take all of your rubbish away.
PUBLIC ACCESS
Our Grounds are Always Open to the Public. On arrival please come to the main reception to register. Our alternative provision takes place in a dedicated area in the woods.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
AwardsWe offer the John Muir Award in the South Downs National Park. Pupils can work towards both the Practical Environment Skills and the John Muir Award during their placement.
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QualityThe quality badge for Learning Outside the Classroom is a national award that we have earned for our education provision. It recognises the essential elements of safety and learning for all types of outdoor provision.
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