“Nature breeds curiosity; it helps to grow explorers rather than robots. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger. It grounds us, calms us.” - Ben Palmer-Fry
What is a Forest School?
Quality Forest School is delivery which holds to all six key principles that shape and govern the Forest School ethos. There are many forms of outdoor education and all have enormous value, however, Forest School is unique in its reach, delivery and effect. These six principles are:
- Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
- Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
- Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
- Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
- Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
- Forest School is run by our qualified Forest School practitioner, who continuously maintains and develops their professional practice.
Quality Forest School Provision
Parent Feedback
My Son (Y8) was doing some homework one evening and he was studying the physics involved with Ropes and Pulleys - but was struggling to explain certain causes and effects. My daughter had been looking at ropes (and maybe pulleys, but my memory has faded a little) in forest school that day and so started joining in with the conversation her brother and I were having to help him understand his homework. Before I knew it, she had explained it in a simple way which my son understood and he was then able to carry on with this homework. After his homework they went outside and built first hand a pulley system which they were both able to understand the physics of. It was lovely to see the collaboration and learning (albeit at differing levels) together. I believe forest school will give my daughter a good foundation to build scientific principles on in the future. I hope this offering continues in the future.
What does a session look like?
Click here to find an example plan of one of our sessions with year 6.
Fully Accredited
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If you require any further information or paper copies, please contact the school office on 01925 266764 or email appletonthorn_primary@warrington.gov.uk
