Forest School

Intent

During Forest School we strive to give all our children the opportunity to build their own self-esteem and self-confidence within an environment outside the classroom.

We aim to:

• Ensure an understanding of our beautiful environment and how we can protect and sustain it.
• Develop independence.
• Encourage a healthier lifestyle and body.
• Have a positive impact on children's behaviour.
• Create pride in the school, it's setting and the local community.
• Develop children as responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.

Our curriculum is organised as a progression which facilitates the re-visiting of learning through recurrent themes, such that knowledge and understanding becomes embedded in children's long term memory. For details of this see the document (below) New Close Forest School Knowledge and Skills Progression'.

We ensure our Forest School Curriculum is rooted in the vision and ethos of the school, through ensuring that as well as delivering scientific knowledge and skills, lessons also develop the New Close values.

Children learn knowledge about the natural world and an understanding of the impact people can have on this. They develop their communication and teamwork skills through exploring, collaborating, working and playing with others. Children show resilience through learning new skills and undertaking activities that they may find challenging. They develop their problem-solving skills through tasks they are set and outcomes they are asked to deliver. Finally the children have the opportunity to further their diligence by working to the best of their ability.

Implementation

All children take part in a sequence of Forest School sessions each year, delivered by members of staff who are suitably trained and accredited.

Forest School is based on the field in a woodland area, which has been set up specifcally to support the effective delivery of forest school.

All sessions are tailored to meet the needs, abilities and age of every child. Each session contains a range of activities through which the children learn knowledge and skills, and includes a time for free play. In addition, the sessions have also been designed to have a link to the science and design and technology curriculum. This may be teaching new knowledge or skills or reinforcing previously taught learning. This is mapped out in the long term plan.

Impact

Through the delivery of our curriculum children are equipped with knowledge and understanding about the natural world and how they can enjoy and protect this. They learn skills to use a variety of tools safely. They grow in confidence and self-esteem by meeting challenges and facing new experiences. They are enthused to play an active role in protecting and sustaining the environment in their own homes, community, nationally and globally.

Click here to see all our Long Term Plans, including Forest School

Click here to see all our Skills and Knowledge Progressions, including Forest School