Outdoor Learning and Forest Schools

Overall Aims and objectives - We use provide regular sessions for each class in our school grounds and wildlife area to promote:

·      the relationship between the learner and the natural world and enjoyment of the outdoors

·      mental health awareness and the use of ‘nature-time’ for wellbeing and a healthy, active lifestyle

·      a knowledge of, and care for the flora and fauna of our immediate environment and habitats

·      the holistic development of resilient, confident, independent and creative learners

·      opportunities for retrieval practise of classroom learning, and to expand learning through cross-curricular links – particularly with Science, PE, Art, DT, Geography and RE, and as part of our continuous provision for EYFS

·      opportunities for social and language development, problem solving skills, team work and all the benefits of sensory play

Sessions are:

·      led by a qualified Forest School Practitioner and supported by TAs

·      include some elements and principles of Forest School education as well as outdoor learning activities

·      expected to be held outdoors in most weathers (see risk assessments)

·      based on a planned skeleton structure but subject to change in relation to children’s interests or particular opportunities to link with classroom learning or other events, adverse weather, ground condition, availability of natural seasonal resources etc. (Classes may not get through all the session listed below but will have a variety in their experiences through their sessions)

·      hands-on and active with opportunities to explore, use loose parts and collaborate with other learners

·      usually finished with a time of reflection

'Forest School makes us feel happy and calm, not super ratty. Nature is a very beautiful place.'

Year 1 pupil

EYFS and Key Stage 1

'I love that you can learn new things!'

Year 2 pupil

'It's good, I REALLY enjoy it!'

Year 1 pupil

Key Stage 2

'When we do Forest School we learn how much we should appreciate nature.' 

Year 4 pupil

'I like it because you can express yourself.'

Year 5 pupil

'We know how to look after the environment and be more careful around birds and animals'.

Year 4 pupil

Outdoor Learning and Forest Schools

Overall Aims and objectives - We use provide regular sessions for each class in our school grounds and wildlife area to promote:

·      the relationship between the learner and the natural world and enjoyment of the outdoors

·      mental health awareness and the use of ‘nature-time’ for wellbeing and a healthy, active lifestyle

·      a knowledge of, and care for the flora and fauna of our immediate environment and habitats

·      the holistic development of resilient, confident, independent and creative learners

·      opportunities for retrieval practise of classroom learning, and to expand learning through cross-curricular links – particularly with Science, PE, Art, DT, Geography and RE, and as part of our continuous provision for EYFS

·      opportunities for social and language development, problem solving skills, team work and all the benefits of sensory play

Sessions are:

·      led by a qualified Forest School Practitioner and supported by TAs

·      include some elements and principles of Forest School education as well as outdoor learning activities

·      expected to be held outdoors in most weathers (see risk assessments)

·      based on a planned skeleton structure but subject to change in relation to children’s interests or particular opportunities to link with classroom learning or other events, adverse weather, ground condition, availability of natural seasonal resources etc. (Classes may not get through all the session listed below but will have a variety in their experiences through their sessions)

·      hands-on and active with opportunities to explore, use loose parts and collaborate with other learners

·      usually finished with a time of reflection

'Forest School makes us feel happy and calm, not super ratty. Nature is a very beautiful place.'

Year 1 pupil

EYFS and Key Stage 1

'I love that you can learn new things!'

Year 2 pupil

'It's good, I REALLY enjoy it!'

Year 1 pupil

Key Stage 2

'When we do Forest School we learn how much we should appreciate nature.' 

Year 4 pupil

'I like it because you can express yourself.'

Year 5 pupil

'We know how to look after the environment and be more careful around birds and animals'.

Year 4 pupil