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

Each session will build progressively upon the skills and knowledge children acquire, with the aim that they will know more, do more and remember more as the year advances. Forest School Guidance suggests there are six key principles that shape and govern the delivery of our woodland sessions.

The six principles are:

• Regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits; a cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.

• It takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.

• It uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.

• It aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. • It offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

• It is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

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?

1. Healthy engagement with risk: Children develop problem-solving skills and self-discovery in a natural environment.

2. Freedom to explore: Forest schools allow learners to develop interests, skills, and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences.

3. Connection with nature: Daily contact with the natural world promotes a deep connection between children and nature.

4. Physical development: Outdoor activities like climbing trees and building dens enhance physical strength and coordination.

5. 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

HAT 2

(Bring your hats, coats and gloves!)

HAT 3

HAT 4

HAT 5

HAT 6

Forest School Association

Children and Nature Network