Learning Outdoors

Forest Schools

We have an excellent forest school area which has huge benefits for our children, both physically and mentally. Not only have we seen a difference in the children’s confidence and independence, we feel it has had an impact on their empathy for nature and others. Building dens, cooking, navigating a compass and woodwork are just some of the activities that the children explore.

Intent

• The ability to acquire new knowledge and skills exceptionally well and develop an in-depth understanding of Forest School.
• The willingness to practise skills in a wide range of different activities and situations.
• Confidence and competence in the full range of practical skills.
• Pupils to be resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
• To support holistic development through forest school.
• To use different skills from across the curriculum.

Implementation

• Planning differentiated by key stage group in our mixed age classes.
• Cross-curricular planning.
• Quality teaching by a fully qualified forest school leader.
• High quality resources.
• To have an environment that is free, open and inclusive, this can help the child’s natural curiosity and give them a love of nature.

Schemes

• Chris Quigley Essential Curriculum Milestones

Impact

• Forest school is inclusive and allows children to develop the key skills that they will use in a variety of activities. Children are provided with opportunities to demonstrate different skills that they have been given to achieve their personal best. Our pupils are resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.