Learning Beyond the Classroom
Each term, all children from Reception to Year 6 take part in our Forest School programme, taught by our in house qualified Forest Schools Practitioner. Since 2014, we have used Forest School as an approach to supplement our outdoor learning ethos. Research has shown Forest Schools to be hugely beneficial for children with a range of emotional and developmental needs.
Forest School’s have a multitude of benefits for children, including:
Confidence – Forest School helps children to grow in confidence as a result of the freedom, time and space they are given in their learning, allowing them to demonstrate independence at their own rate.
Communication – The sensory experiences provided by the outdoors help prompt language development, improving communication skills and promoting self-esteem.
Social Skills – Sharing tools and participating in play help teach the children to work together as a group, which strengthens their bonds and social ties.
Motivation and Concentration – High levels of interest lead to high levels of attention.
Knowledge and Understanding – Children develop an interest in the outdoors and respect for the environment. Encouraging children to develop a relationship with the natural world will help in protecting the environment for generations to come.
Levels the Playing Field – Taking children outside of the classroom removes the pressures of academia and allows them to play to their strengths. This is beneficial to children who might struggle in the classroom.
Enjoyable for the Children – Forest Schools are fun. It is educational whilst also allowing children to explore and discover. Children who participate in Forest Schools are generally observed to be happier.
