NATURE CONNECTION AND WELLBEING

Introduction

Green Paths Environmental Education CIC is a North Devon-based social enterprise specialising in outdoor learning, wellbeing, and therapeutic education. Our Therapeutic Adventure Programme blends accredited learning with personal growth, environmental education, and outdoor adventure. Learners gain nationally recognised Open Awards Level 1 or Level 2 Qualifications in Nature Connection & Wellbeing, while developing essential life skills, confidence, and resilience in the natural world.

This programme is designed to support individuals aged 11 and above—regardless of background, ability, or circumstance— with particular emphasis on:

• Young people at risk of disengagement or exclusion

• Learners with SEND, SEMH, or neurodiverse needs

• Pupils in Alternative Provision

• Home-educated learners seeking accredited progression

• Military-connected children and those experiencing social or emotional turbulence

• Young people who thrive in practical, outdoor, or therapeutic learning environments

Each course is adapted to meet learners where they are — academically, socially, and emotionally

Who Are the Courses Aimed At?

• The Nature Connection & Wellbeing qualifications are designed for learners who may:

• Struggle with traditional classroom settings or mainstream assessment methods

• Benefit from hands-on, reflective, and nature-based learning

• Experience anxiety, low confidence, or difficulty with social interaction

• Have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or require SEMH support

• Be in transition between school placements or awaiting specialist provision

• Be home-educated and looking for meaningful, accredited study opportunities

• Be preparing for re-engagement in education, training, or employment

The course provides a safe, nurturing bridge between therapeutic intervention and accredited education — ideal for learners who need to rebuild confidence and rediscover a sense of achievement.

GCSE Equivalent

To help schools and local authorities understand the academic standing of these qualifications:

• Open Awards Level 1 Award in Nature Connection & Wellbeing is broadly equivalent to working towards GCSE grades 1–3 (Foundation level)

• Open Awards Level 2 Award in Nature Connection & Wellbeing is broadly equivalent to GCSE grades 4–9 (Good pass)

These levels are nationally recognised under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and can contribute to learner progression records, personal development targets, and alternative provision outcome tracking. Although not direct GCSEs, these grades are recognised as a GCSE equivalent by some institutions and apprenticeship providers and are designed to complement or bridge learning gaps, helping students demonstrate engagement, achievement, and growth in wellbeing measurably

Awarding Body:

Open Awards – a nationally recognised Ofqual-regulated organisation with flexible frameworks for inclusive and practical learning.

Qualification Titles:

• Level 1 Award in Nature Connection & Wellbeing

• Level 2 Award in Nature Connection & Wellbeing

Credit Value (all units must be achieved to be awarded the qualification):

• Level 1: 3 Modules equating to 9 credits

• Level 2: 4 Modules equating to 12 credits

Total Qualification Time/Guided Learning (Hours) :

• Level 1 - Total Qualification time - 90

  Guided Learning - 75

• Level 2 - Total Qualification time - 120

  Guided Learning - 80

Age Range:

• Level 1: 11+, depending on ability and maturity.

• Level 2: 14+, depending on ability and maturity.

Delivery Context:

This qualification uses portfolio-based assessment, allowing learners to work at their own pace in a supportive, low-pressure environment. It promotes well-being and enables individuals to demonstrate their knowledge through practical, creative, and reflective tasks. Designed to be flexible and engagement-led, the programme centres on real-world experiences and meaningful reflection. Assessment criteria are open and adaptable, giving learners the freedom to showcase their strengths.

About the Qualification

Level 1 (Foundation Focus):

Introduction to Nature Connection & Wellbeing

Understanding Pro-Environmental Behaviours

Developing Personal Resilience

Understanding Nature Connection & Wellbeing

Reflective Journaling and Goal Setting

Level 2 (Advanced Focus):

Measuring Connection with Nature

Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviours

Environmental Stewardship and Action

Mindfulness and Self-Awareness Techniques

Urban Nature and Community Wellbeing

Learners compile an evidence portfolio through photos, reflective writing, artwork, and instructor observation. The programme promotes both academic and personal progression, providing a stepping stone towards higher qualifications or vocational pathways in outdoor education, environmental science, health and social care, or public services

Core Units & Learning Themes

Delivery Model

Green Paths offers flexible delivery options to suit schools, colleges, and individual learners:

Option 1: School Partnership (On-Site or Off-Site)

• Level 1: Weekly 3-hour sessions over 25 weeks

• Level 2: Weekly 3-hour sessions over 27 weeks

Delivered on your school grounds, or at a mixture of our woodland bases (e.g. Arlington Court, Chivenor, Ilfracombe) and tailored to SEND or SEMH learners

Option 2: Small Group Alternative Provision

• Half-day or full-day sessions

• Focus on emotional regulation, self-esteem, and employability skills

• Ideal for learners unable to attend mainstream education full-time

Option 3: Home Education or Community Cohorts

• Delivered as part of our “Green Paths Explorers” home-ed network

• Families can access the qualification alongside our broader outdoor curriculum

• Includes take-home reflective projects and creative assignments

Option 4: Bespoke Therapeutic Placements

• 1:1 or small-group placements for students requiring intensive emotional or behavioural support

• Focus on relationship-based, nature-led therapy through adventure

• Progress reviewed through learning journals and wellbeing check-ins

Assessment and Evidence

• No formal exams or timed tests

• Evidence gathered through:

- Photos and annotated journals

- Instructor observations and witness statements

- Group reflections and discussions

- Creative outputs (art, mapping, writing, etc.)

Each learner builds a portfolio of achievement, demonstrating progress in personal, social, and environmental learning.

Funding and Referrals

We accept referrals from:

• Schools and Pupil Referral Units

• Colleges and Alternative Providers

• Local Authorities and EHCP teams

• Military welfare units and family liaison services

• Home-education networks

Funding can come from:

• School budgets or Alternative Provision funding

• Pupil Premium / Service Pupil Premium

• EHCP personalised budgets

• Charitable or grant-funded pathways

• Self-funded.

Open Award Level 1 & 2

Cost

Level 1 - £580

Level 2 - £580

Level 1 & 2 Combined - £1000

We offer a range of payment options:

• Payment in full: Full payment will be taken at the time of booking.

• Monthly Instalments: A monthly payment link will be sent with the confirmation email. Please note that this must be set up at least 10 days before the course start date.