Forest Schools

INTENT

To create a Forest School that aims promote the holistic development of all involved whilst fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Strong planning for progression enables pupils to deepen subject knowledge and refine skills. The curriculum ensures that pupils have excellent understanding of the subject’s contribution to the creative and cultural sectors.

IMPLEMENTATION

Teachers have good knowledge of the subject and courses they teach. Leaders provide effective support for those teaching outside their main areas of expertise.

The expectations of pupils are high and they are all challenged to achieve outstanding progress from their starting point.

IMPACT

Students at Archers Brook will be enthused by learning and will be able to demonstrate good understanding and skill base.

Through new skills students will become confident in outdoor activates and building these into social and emotional outcomes to develop.

Forest Schools offer an innovative approach to outdoor play and learning.

What benefits can pupils derive from this method?

Healthy engagement with risk: Children develop problem-solving skills and self-discovery in a natural environment.
Freedom to explore: Forest schools allow learners to develop interests, skills, and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences.
Connection with nature: Daily contact with the natural world promotes a deep connection between children and nature.
Physical development: Outdoor activities like climbing trees and building dens enhance physical strength and coordination.
Independence, confidence, and social skills: Forest schools create resilient, independent learners and improves focus and social interaction.

At Archers Brook, Forest School is accessed by Key Stage 2 and 3.

The pupils from these key stages all have a one hour a week Forest School session on their timetables.

Below you will find what we plan to do over the coming year.

HAT 1

Year 5	Year 6	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Team building activities and forest school area development.	Team building activities and forest school area development.	Team building activities and forest school area development.	Team building activities, forest school area development & handling & using tools safely.	Team building activities, forest school area development & handling & using tools safely.

HAT 2

(Bring your hats, coats and gloves!)

Year 5	Year 6	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Outdoor winter/Christmas activities & planting trees/shrubs.	Outdoor winter/Christmas activities & planting trees/shrubs.	Outdoor winter/Christmas activities & planting trees/shrubs.	Outdoor winter/Christmas activities & tree/shrub planting.	Outdoor winter/Christmas activities & tree/shrub planting.

HAT 3

Year 5	Year 6	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Den/structure building, backwoods cooking & whittling.	Den/structure building, backwoods cooking & whittling.	Den/Structure building, backwoods cooking & whittling.	Den/structure building, backwoods cooking & whittling.	Den/structure building, backwoods cooking & whittling.

HAT 4

Year 5	Year 6	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Create and design plans to improve Forest School areas and put plans into action.	Create and design plans to improve Forest School areas and put plans into action.	Create and design plans to improve Forest School areas and put plans into action.	Create and design plans to improve Forest School areas and put plans into action.	Create and design plans to improve Forest School areas and put plans into action.

HAT 5

Year 5	Year 6	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Build bug hotels, bird boxes & feeding tables & find adequate locations in Forest School area.	Build bug hotels, bird boxes & feeding tables & find adequate locations in Forest School area.	Build, plant & maintain garden for edible plants in Forest School area.	Build, plant & maintain garden for edible plants in Forest School area.	Build BBQ & seating area in Forest School area using repurposed materials provided.

HAT 6

Year 5	Year 6	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Activities utilising learnt skills & prepare the Forest School area for the end of term.	Activities utilising learnt skills & prepare the Forest School area for the end of term.	Activities utilising learnt skills & prepare Forest School area for the end of term.	Activities utilising learnt skills & prepare Forest School area for the end of term.	Activities utilising learnt skills & prepare Forest School area for the end of term.

Forest School Association

Children and Nature Network