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Forest Schools

As part of our strong environmental ethos, we have an integrated Forest School Programme attended by children at different times during the school year.

A forest school is an inspirational process that offers children regular opportunities to appreciate and enjoy their local woodlands. Our forest school nurtures an understanding and respect for natural places. Our children experience nature at first hand through a series of engaging and achievable tasks. The forest school experience brings learning to life and improves a child’s ability to work co-operatively while offering the opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning.

More recently, we have employed Chris Oakey to support our use of Forest School across the entire school and with additional sessions for small groups. Take a look at what they have achieved, it really is quite magnificent.

Where does the idea come from?

forest schools1Forest school 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.
We currently use it mostly with Reception and Year 1.

What is it like at a forest school? 

A forest school group explores our woodland on a regular basis, over time. During that time the group will get to grips with all sorts of woodland activities that will help to build an understanding and appreciation of the woodland.

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. As children become more comfortable with living and working in the woodland the programme becomes more learner led, a journey of discovery directed by the children themselves.

Hot chocolate is always an added bonus on a cold winter’s day!