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;
How will pupils benefit from Forest Schools?
Promotes the development of confidence and self-esteem and is flexible enough to enable independent learning as well as building teamwork skills