Forest School is an approach to education that embraces the outdoors as a learning environment. It is about children, young people and adults experiencing regular sessions in a designated Forest School site.
Children follow the usual curriculum but in an outdoor context, using learning and teaching strategies which raise self-esteem, develop confidence, independence and language and communication skills.
Children are intrinsically motivated outdoors. The natural world stimulates their desire to learn and discover. We all learn better when we have a real interest in what we are doing.
Many children and young people benefit from, and prefer a practical element to their learning, and achieve greater levels of success in this context than a traditional classroom environment.
Behaviour and desire to learn improve and impact on achievement.
At Forest School children learn to assess and manage risks and develop life long learning skills. Forest School has physical, social and health benefits; helping young people to enjoy physical activity outdoors in increasingly sedentary lives.
Confidence increases in the natural environment, with respect, knowledge and understanding about environmental issues locally and nationally.
Forest School takes place in all weathers and all seasons. Children and adults must be dressed appropriately as ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!’
Children are encouraged to explore and investigate and they need suitable clothes such as old clothes as they may get dirty. Also the children will need protective clothing such as waterproofs, wellingtons, spare socks, a hat and gloves to keep them warm and dry. Please ensure all items have your child’s name in them.
