What is Forest School?

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‘Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment within trees.’  (Forest School Association)

 

Our Forest School offers children of Newbottle & Charlton regular opportunities to achieve, grow spiritually and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. Forest School is a specialised approach that sits within and complements the wider context of outdoor learning.

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All sessions are designed and led by our Forest School Leader, Mrs Lovesay-Bonham and supported by staff members. Forest School uses natural resources to stimulate imagination, creativity and investigation. Activities can include:

• Shelter building

• Natural art

• Using knots and lashings

• Fire lighting

• Animal tracking

• Bug hunts

• Tree investigations

• Climbing and balancing

• Woodwork using tools, e.g. making musical instruments, decorative items

• Creating bug homes and bird feeders

• Collecting, identifying and sorting natural materials such as leaves

• Team games

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Most activities are curriculum-linked and span a number of subjects, including Maths, English, Design &Technology, Science, Music and Art. Forest school sits wonderfully in our topic based skills curriculum and encompasses our new key curriculum drivers: Diversity, Environment, Growth and Spirituality.