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, Miss Smith 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.