Outdoor Learning

The Best Kind of Classroom

This is the best kind of classroom,

No walls, just sky and trees.

This is the best kind of classroom,

No radiators, just a gentle breeze.

This is the best kind of classroom,

It’s journey through time and space.

From the smallest seed to the largest tree,

This is a forest and a learning place.

This is the best kind of classroom,

Where seasons don’t happen in books.

Where the learning is watching and thinking and talking

And everyone notices – everyone looks.

Ian MacMillan

Forest School is a unique way of building independence and self-esteem in children and young people.  By encouraging and inspiring individuals through positive experiences and motivating achievable tasks and activities in an outdoor environment, pupils are given a good foundation for future learning.

Pupils are able to experience the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment whilst enjoying a unique learning experience. A high adult to pupil ratio allows them to undertake tasks and play activities that challenge but do not put them at undue risk of harm. Forest School is led by leaders who are trained in Forest School techniques and have a valid First Aid Certificate.

The Forest School site is within the school grounds in a small secure woodland area. Sessions are held weekly, throughout the year, therefore, experiencing all weathers and the changing season. Each session follows a routine, starting with a group activity and also including a drink and snack. Sessions are flexible enough to allow child led learning. Activities can be curriculum linked to most subjects;

• using senses to learn about materials, textures, changes etc.
• sensory games
• making pictures out of natural materials
• mini beast hunting
• shelters and den building
• feely boxes
• making bird feeders
• investigating flora and fauna
• learning about changes in the outdoors
• interactive and imaginative story telling
• art using natural materials
• making and using tools
• tracks and trails
• tree measuring
• campfire cooking

How will pupils benefit from Forest Schools?

• A safe, relaxed and well supported environment to build esteem and access a broad curriculum
• Experience the outdoor environment and the importance of boundaries
• Working with natural materials
• Taught to use tools appropriately and safely
• Encouraged to look after the outdoor environment

Promotes the development of confidence and self-esteem and is flexible enough to enable independent learning as well as building teamwork skills

• Learning to investigate and work co-operatively
• Use natural materials to enhance their learning in a variety of curriculum areas.
• Lots of fun!