Forest School
Forest School
Intent Overview:
Forest School is a unique, nature-based educational approach that fosters holistic growth through regular, hands-on learning in an outdoor woodland environment. It aims to promote children’s development in key areas such as confidence, independence, social skills, resilience, and creativity. By encouraging self-directed play, exploration, and problem-solving, Forest School helps pupils to develop a deep, personal connection with the natural world while cultivating essential life skills.
The programme promotes physical activity, emotional well-being, social skills, confidence, independence, resilience, and creativity.
Key activities include building shelters, using tools, observing wildlife, and creative play with natural materials. Through regular sessions, Forest School helps children develop confidence, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
Intent statements:
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Social Skills: Teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving.
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Personal Development: Independence, confidence, self-esteem, resilience, creativity, and imagination.
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Physical Development: Motor skills, health, and fitness.
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Nature Connection: Cultivate beneficial relationships with nature and encourage environmental care.
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Emotional Wellbeing: Calming and therapeutic environments reduce stress and anxiety.
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Skill Development: Outdoor skills and self-confidence through hands-on experiences.
Implementation Statements:
Forest School aligns with the broader goals of many educational curricula, particularly in areas such as personal, social, and emotional development (PSED), physical education, science, and geography. The progression is child-led, allowing students to follow their own interests while supporting curriculum outcomes and EHCPs through natural, immersive learning experiences.
