Where the adventure begins
“Education is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open children’s hearts and minds to the unbelievable wonder of the universe.”
What is Forest School?
A Definition of Forest school...
Forest school allows everyone, particularly children and young people the opportunity to learn through experience within a woodland setting in a hands on manner to develop their self-esteem and confidence.
​
​
Forest School Vision...
To enable each student attending Forest School sessions to have the opportunity to develop an inquisitive and positive relationship with the natural world. Increasing confidence, self-esteem and respect in preparation for an ever changing world, and for every student to have the opportunity to achieve their holistic, full potential.
​
Forest School Philosophy...
The philosophy of Forest Schools is to inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences and provide them an opportunity to appreciate the wider, natural world to encourage a responsibility for nature conservation in later life.
Forest school Involves...
Child initiated learning, being outdoors, integration with the National Curriculum, delivery by a trained leader (Level 3 Forest School, Open College Network) and lots of fun!
Forest School helps to develop...
Confidence and self-esteem, communication and social skills, physical skills, a greater understanding and awareness of the natural environment, natural motivation and a positive attitude to learning, the ability to recognise and manage risk, plus it promotes a healthier lifestyle!
Forest School Aims...
• To provide an opportunity for individuals to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves.
• To provide a safe and non-threatening environment in which children can take risks, make choices and initiate their own learning.
• To help children understand, appreciate and care for the natural environment.
• To provide ways of developing practical life skills in an outdoor environment.
• To develop self-esteem, confidence and a positive disposition to learning through the completion of small, achievable tasks.
• To meet the needs of children with all learning styles
• To develop social and team working skills
• To enable children to be independent, self-motivated and considerate.
• To be true to the forest school ethos and approach
• To develop a secure, happy and welcoming environment.
• To provide stimulation and varied learning activities appropriate to the child’s needs and stages of development.
• To help each child build self-esteem, confidence, independence and self-control and interpersonal skills.
​
​
...we think they are pretty good reasons to sign up!
​
More information about the principles and criteria
for good practice can be found here.