Forest School

Forest School places an emphasis on outdoor, child-led learning, enabling children to expand their knowledge of themselves, others and the environment by taking part in hands-on activities in a safe, natural setting.

We are fortunate to have Nymans Woods (owned by The National Trust) a short walk away from school and fantastic links with their Forest Rangers - Adam & Chloe.

Activities vary from group to group and season to season, but sessions might include:

• Learning how to build and light campfires 
• Campfire cooking e.g: flat breads, making hot chocolate, campfire pizzas 
• Woodland inspired art, craft and woodwork projects
• Team building games
• Den building
• Exploring and playing in the woods
• Developing interests, understanding and respect for the living things around the wood
• Making new friends and working with children from another year group
• Learning to use tools and equipment
• Promoting and developing confidence, self esteem & independence

Adam writes weekly overviews of the activities, any particular highlights/observations and thoughts for subsequent sessions based on children's feedback and input. Here are a few comments he has made recently:

I was amazed at how efficiently the group went about firelighting, looking to get things done. They stacked the fire in a pyramidal style, got cotton wool &  Vaseline ready and handed out fire steels. All in the group lit their piece of cotton wool, offering to help one another if anyone was struggling.