Our Forest School Vision Statement

Our aim is to deliver weekly forest school sessions in our onsite woodland area all year round. We want to offer pupils experiences in a natural woodland environment where they can begin to make a lifelong connection with nature. Pupils will develop understanding and respect for wildlife, plants and the woodland ecosystem as a whole. They will develop sustainable and conservation attitudes, which we hope develops lifelong passions for protecting nature and our planet. We aim to foster a spiritual connection to nature and each other. Sessions are run with a ‘leave no trace’ philosophy. We leave the woodland as we find it.

Sessions are run all year round so pupils can observe seasonal change in plants and trees and develop deep level understanding of the same animal habitats and woodland ecosystem. Pupils will make links with their learning at forest school and the wider curriculum and beyond. Pupils will also develop their bush craft skills by following The Wild Passport curriculum.

Personal responsibility and equality are at the heart of our ethos, pupils are encouraged to help each other, carry equipment, support each other during activities, look after the woodland and contribute to shared experiences such as fire, cooking on a campfire, den building, obstacle course making and bush craft activities.

Pupils will develop independence skills, taking responsibility for packing away equipment, keeping our woodland area clean, safe and leave no trace and making their own resourcing choices. Pupils will learn how to manage risks, problem solve and make sustainable decisions. The sessions aim to build confidence and resilience as children are encouraged not to give up and to find solutions to problems themselves.

Pupils are encouraged to use their imagination through storytelling, roleplay, natural art, woodwork and crafting projects. Fine motor skills are developed through tying knots, using tools and making crafts. Gross motor skills are developed through walking through uneven ground, climbing fallen trees and playing games. Pupils will develop social interaction skills and gain confidence through play, games and teamwork. Pupils will learn and use new vocabulary and develop their communication skills.

‘Look after yourself, your friends and nature’