Forest Schools
Our New reception year settle in to life as a forest family.
We are very lucky to have been made an amazing mud kitchen by one of our very talented parents, we are looking forward to the kids using it soon.
Year four have been down to Forest School this half term and have been learning about their topic Romans. They have built Roman shelters after a long days training! Experienced how hard it would have been to design an irrigation system and set each other challenges using Roman Numerals.
What is Forest School?
Forest Schools is about children and young people building self esteem and independence through exploring and experiencing the natural world.
Each Forest Schools programme is tailored to meet the needs of the individuals within the group and is continuously developed as pupils grow in confidence, skills and understanding.
The ethos of Forest Schools allows pupils the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences.
Sample range of activities
- Mud mixing, digging and painting
- Shelter building
- Using tools
- Tying knots
- Whittling wood
- Fire rules and fire lighting
- Cooking on fire
- Bug identification
- Leaf matching
- Natural art
What are the benefits?
- Giving pupils the chance to learn outside the classroom.
- Safe risk taking opportunities for pupils.
- Allows pupils to learn and explore in a safe and natural environment.
- Pupils look forward to Forest Schools sessions and actively engage in their chosen activities.
- Pupils grow in confidence and independence is encouraged.
- Self esteem is raised through child led ethos.
- Calm, purposeful atmosphere with clear start and finish routines in each (approximately) 2 hr session.
Forest school clothing list
This clothing list applies to all people attending forest school, leaders, helpers and children.
Summer:
- Long sleeve top
- Long trousers (covering the whole leg)
- Sturdy footwear e.g. wellington boots/boots
- Waterproof coat/jacket
- Sunhat
- Spare socks
- Named water bottle
- Sun cream (high factor, waterproof)
Winter:
- Long trousers
- Long sleeve top, jumpers and/or fleece (lots of layers will be required)
- Hat and gloves
- Warm waterproof coat
- Waterproof
- Sturdy footwear e.g. wellington boots/boots
- Labelled water bottle
- Spare socks
- Spare plastic bag for wet and dirty clothing
We will be out in all weathers, so please dress appropriately with many layers. A full change of clothes is required all year round.
Children will NOT be able to take part if they are not dressed as requested.