Forest Schools sessions take place at regular intervals throughout the year and are delivered to pupils of all ages by school staff. Currently two members of staff hold Level 3 practitioner status and another two are training to be leaders. Forest School offers learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.
Children are engaged in learning activities, harnessing the skills that involve respecting the environment whilst looking after themselves and others around them. We believe that Forest Schools sessions are an essential element of our curriculum offer because they help to develop confidence and self-esteem; communication and social skills; physical skills; greater understanding and awareness of the natural environment; natural motivation and a positive attitude to learning; the ability to recognise and manage risk and they promote healthier lifestyles.
Gardening tasks such as weeding and watering plants and vegetables are a chance for children to use vital motor skills. They are also activities which promote responsibility and care for their environment. It gives the children chance to look more closely at nature and wildlife whilst enjoying the outdoors and fresh air.