About Forest School

Forest Schools provides the pupils with a different educational experience which will benefit them in a variety of different ways. It allows them the opportunity to succeed and develop self-esteem and confidence through hands on learning in the woodland. The pupils will take part in a variety of challenging, motivating tasks which will give them the opportunity to develop their learning. These tasks will take place throughout the school year meaning they will experience a lot of different weather conditions. All pupils will be wearing the correct clothing appropriate to the time of year which will allow them to access the lesson and stay safe.

Forest School lessons will give the pupils the opportunity to work with tools, play, learn and begin to understand boundaries related to behaviour within the area. As a result of taking part in a variety of different Forest School lessons, pupils will develop their confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Forest School lessons will help to create a good understanding of the natural world.

What happens at Forest School?

The chosen class or classes will take part in a program that will last 6 weeks (one term). These sessions will last for around 1 hour 15 minutes which will enable the pupils to get the most out of their lesson. The lessons will have a variety of different outcomes and skills involved such as building dens or collecting natural materials. The sessions will aim to try and build the confidence of every pupil and ensure that they are able to access the lesson to their full potential.

All of our sessions will be led by our Forest School Leader and supported by teaching assistants when required.

Forest School lessons could include some of the activities listed below:

• Collecting natural materials
• Scavenger hunt
• Natural art
• Shelter building
• Using knots and lashing
• Fire lighting
• Tree investigation
• Bug hunts
• Climbing and balancing
• Woodwork (using tools to create objects such as decorative items.)
• Team games

The benefits of Forest School

Forest School is suitable for all ages and different abilities. Forest School aims to develop a person as a whole by helping them develop their confidence, teamwork and communication. Forest Schools will also help pupils to develop a sense of self- worth. The pupils will take part in a variety of tasks and will be given encouragement, guidance and praise from the Forest School leader and support staff. This will then help to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Forest School also aims to improve a pupil’s attitude and view towards learning because they will find the learning fun. This will then hopefully develop a positive outlook that can be transferred into the classroom throughout the school. This will then make a pupil more motivated and therefore be able to concentrate better.

Forest School can also help:

• Create a better understanding of the natural world.
• Develop physical abilities and enable participants to stay active and healthy.
• Create good teamwork through different activities.
• Develop skills which could then be taken into other school lessons if required.