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Forest School

Summer 2025 Schedule:

Year 6 weekly sessions - Summer 2

Woodland Wonders

Forest School offers a distinctive educational experience aimed at fostering children's confidence and self-esteem. Originating in Denmark, this concept was initially designed for pre-school children. However, research shows the immense benefits it provides to all children. The outdoor, nature-based learning environment nurtures creativity, independence, and resilience, allowing children to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Recognising these profound advantages, our Forest School program will be delivered on a weekly basis from Easter 2025.

What is Forest School? Forest School is an innovative and inspirational educational approach that involves regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment. The program is designed to encourage holistic development, exploration and risk-taking focusing on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of each child. The focus is underpinned by six core principles and aims to increase confidence and self-esteem through child-led, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

The six principles of Forest School are:

Sessions are delivered on a long-term basis
Sessions should be risk-aware, not risk-averse
Forest School is invested in holistic development of the participants
Forest School should take place in a natural wooded environment where possible
Forest School should be run by qualified Forest School practitioners
Forest School is learner-centered with learner-based outcomes.

Example of a typical forest school session

Gathering and Welcome:

- The session usually begins with a gathering where the Forest School Leader welcomes the children and discusses the plan for the session.
- Safety rules and guidelines for behaviour in the outdoor environment are often reviewed.

Free Play and Exploration:

- Children are given the opportunity for free play and exploration in the natural surroundings. This allows them to engage with the environment on their terms, fostering curiosity and creativity.
- Activities may include climbing, den building (both natural and with tarpaulins and ropes), digging (mud kitchen), or simply observing and interacting with the natural elements.

Nature Awareness and Observation:

- Forest School encourages children to develop a deeper connection with nature. Leaders might facilitate activities that enhance awareness, such as nature walks, listening exercises, or observing wildlife.

Skill Building:

- Forest Schools often incorporate skill-building activities, such as fire-building (with appropriate safety measures), using tools like knives or saws (under close supervision), tying knots, or creating natural crafts.
- These activities teach children practical skills, boost confidence, and promote a sense of accomplishment.

Team Building and Social Skills:

- Cooperative activities and group games are often included to promote teamwork and social skills. This might involve building a shelter together, solving a nature-related puzzle, or participating in a group challenge.

Storytime:

- Storytime may involve nature-related stories or discussions about the environment.

Closing Circle - Reflection and Discussion

- The session typically concludes with a closing circle, where children and leaders come together to share any final thoughts, express gratitude, and say goodbye. There is time for reflection, allowing children to share their experiences, discoveries, or thoughts about the day.

VISION STATEMENT

Our vision is to nurture curiosity, resilience, and sense of wonder, empowering children to explore, discover, and learn outdoors. Through this, they will gain understanding and respect for nature's ecosystem, develop life skills such as problem-solving, risk-taking, and perseverance, and form a spiritual connection to the natural environment and each other.