The Fostering Course - Cursa Altrumachaidh - is a in-depth one-to-one correspondence study programme.   Before starting the course, you are invited to join the Tribe of the Oak Private Page and become a Dedicant of the Tribe.   You will be assigned to a Foster, who will help and guide you along the path.   

The course consists of seven modules named after the Bardic Grades.  Each module deals with a different topic.   The modules are divided into a number of lessons.

Your fosterer will provide you with an introduction to each lesson, texts relating to the topic, which you are asked to read and digest.   When you are ready, after reading the texts you are asked to prepare a paper summarising the contents and high-lighting ideas and concepts which call to you.  There are also hands-on and seasonal tasks you will be asked to complete. 

There are no deadlines or time-limits.  You complete the course at your own pace.  Some students will complete the course in a couple of years.  Others may take less time, others more.  

At the end of each module, you can Discuss what you have studied with your Fosterer and you will receive a Certificate of Completion.  At he end of the course you will receive a Certificate of Graduation and there is an Initiation Ceremony and you become a Full Member of the Tribe.

During your studies you are encouraged to participate in the Tribe and after graduating you are welcome to add to the richness of our Tribe or to pursue your own studies.  The course is free but we ask you maintain confidentiality and do not share our material with other groups.