Forest school
Here at St Mary’s our children are lucky enough to access our on-site Forest School area throughout their school journey from Acorns class (reception) right through until Oak class (year 6). Forest School is a long term process that will hold unique outcomes for each child and contribute directly to the overall well being of everyone involved.
Our vision is to reconnect children with nature, allowing them ‘freedom with purpose’ in connecting with the outdoor environment and everything that entails. To allow them the opportunity to experience risk, take on challenges and activities in a child-led environment. To create a spirit of community where the children’s confidence can grow, where they recognise themselves to be a valued member of our team. The Forest School journey provides children with chances to direct their own learning and develop independence whilst building positive relationships with their peers.
Our weekly sessions encourage the children to engage in positive outdoor experiences which will support their personal development and provide them with the foundations for a robust and enduring tool kit as they move through life. Each week, children will be offered a variety of opportunities and open-ended activities that give them the time and space to investigate and understand the world around them where they are able to experience regular personal successes.
Activities might include:
- Time for free exploration
- Fire lighting and cooking
- Tool use – mallets, hammers, saws, whittling knives etc
- Studying wildlife and nature identification
- Playing team and group games
- Den building and roleplay activities
- Mindfulness activities, time for calm
- Rope and string work
- Woodland and nature crafts
- Tracking games
And many more, planned by adults or created by the children!
This Forest School experience aligns with our school’s core values and provides a safe, supportive space for children to thrive and discover their true potential. It will foster an interest in the environment, develop resilience, independence and self esteem while nurturing the happy, confident, creative learners for life that the school promotes.
Please take a look at some of our photos of our sessions throughout the seasons which hopefully give a little insight into what our children get up to.
