Intent
Forest School is intended to enable children to develop confidence and self-esteem through regular hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. It will provide a nurturing space that supports children’s wellbeing by implementing positive outdoor, child-led experiences in a natural setting, and will help foster traits such as resilience, confidence and independence whilst developing motivation, co-operation, decision-making and social skills. Respect for the environment and others helps relationships build in a more relaxed atmosphere, enabling and empowering all students to have the opportunity to achieve their complete and full potential.
Implementation
A learner-centred approach that ensures a cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review within each session to build on children’s experiences and knowledge.
Impact
Children are active, take ownership of their learning and develop their self-esteem through a variety of independent tasks. Children develop knowledge of sustainability and respect for their learning environment and the outdoors as a whole. Children develop their teamwork skills and increase their capability to work together to solve problems in a variety of ways taking into account one another’s ideas. Positive relationships are built through these sessions and children are both enabled and empowered to achieve their holistic potential.