We have a Forest School area in our grounds. We provide our children with high quality outdoor learning. Each class has a chance to come out to Forest School each week giving them great opportunity to develop a connection with nature.
Forest School is firmly embedded into school life with links to the curriculum and topics being used throughout sessions. We have evolved and changed over time and now have a wide range of tasks that enable the teachers
to assess the skills of each child. All children throughout their time at Forest School take part in activities such as identification, map reading and observational drawing. They learn how to use a variety of tools safely to create different artefacts and experience various foods and camp cooking techniques.
Forest School is a unique feature and reflects the ethos of our School. Our children are extremely fortunate to be able to participate in Forest School as it adds even more depth and breadth to their curriculum.
Where does the idea come from?
Forest Schools originated in Sweden during the 1950s and was a way of teaching children about the natural world. The idea was adopted by Denmark as an important part of Early Years provision. The concept was introduced to Britain in 1995 by Bridgwater College.
Who is a Forest School for?
Everyone can benefit from a Forest School. Forest Schools provides a valuable teaching tool for a wide range of curriculum subjects, and is an excellent way to support and enrich the National Curriculum
What is it like at a Forest School?
The fire circle is central to all that happens at Forest School. The fire is the focal point for discussing the day’s activities and a place for socialising. The activities are always hands-on and will often require the use of tools such as bow saws and fixed blade knives. As children becomes more comfortable with living and working in the woodland the programme becomes more learner led, a journey of discovery directed by the children themselves.