Every year our Year 5 children embark on an eight week course of Forest Schools with trained Forest School Leader and ex-parent Stuart Barton, working in the woodland at the end of Sandy Lane (with kind permission from our lovely neighbours).
This happens in all weathers and includes activities such as exploring the wood, learning about conservation, creating dens, identifying wildlife, learning craft skills, whittling, fire lighting and cooking over open fires.
Forest Schools originated in Sweden in the 1950’s as a way of helping children learn about the natural world through stories, songs and practical experiences. In many Scandinavian countries it has now become integral to learning and the UK Forest Schools is being increasingly delivered as part of the mainstream curriculum as much evidence points to its powerful and positive effect on children’s self-esteem, confidence and independence.