We are delighted that our Year 4 children have been able to enjoy another year of Forest School, under the instruction of Andy from Oaken Outdoor Education.  We look forward to continuing this with our new cohort of Year 4 children in the Autumn term.

Forest School Aims, Ethos and Principles

A Definition of Forest school

Forest school allows everyone, particularly children and young people the opportunity to learn through experience within a woodland setting in a hands on manner to develop their self-esteem and confidence

Forest School Vision

To enable each student attending Forest School sessions to have the opportunity to develop an inquisitive and positive relationship with the natural world. Increasing confidence, self-esteem and respect in preparation for an ever changing world, and for every student to have the opportunity to achieve their holistic, full potential.

Forest School Philosophy

The philosophy of Forest Schools is to inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences and provide them an opportunity to appreciate the wider, natural world to encourage a responsibility for nature conservation in later life.

Forest school Involves

• Child initiated learning;

• Being outdoors;

• Integration with the National Curriculum;

• Delivery by a trained leader (Level 3 Forest School, Open College Network);

• Fun

Forest School helps to develop:

• Confidence and self-esteem;

• Communication and social skills;

• Physical skills;

• Greater understanding and awareness of the natural environment;

• Natural motivation and a positive attitude to learning;

• The ability to recognise and manage risk;

• Healthier lifestyles.

Forest School Aims:

• To provide an opportunity for individuals to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves.

• To provide a safe and non-threatening environment in which children can take risks, make choices and initiate their own learning.

• To help children understand, appreciate and care for the natural environment.

• To provide ways of developing practical life skills in an outdoor environment.

• To develop self-esteem, confidence and a positive disposition to learning through the completion of small, achievable tasks.

• To meet the needs of children with all learning styles

• To develop social and team working skills

• To enable children to be independent, self-motivated and considerate.

• To be true to the forest school ethos and approach

• To develop a secure, happy and welcoming environment.

• To provide stimulation and varied learning activities appropriate to the child’s needs and stages of development.

• To help each child build self-esteem, confidence, independence and self-control and interpersonal skills.