Forest School

The ethos of Forest School is based on a fundamental respect for children and young people and for their capacity to instigate, test and maintain curiosity in the world around them. It believes in children’s right to play; the right to access the outdoors (and in particular a woodland environment); the right to access risk and the vibrant reality of the natural world; and the right to experience a healthy range of emotions, through all the challenges of social interaction, to build a resilience that will enable continued and creative engagement with their peers and their potential.

Forest School is based more on the process of learning than it is on the content – more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’. This means that genuine Forest School practice steps boldly out of the shadow and limitation of ‘planned activities’ and ventures collaboratively into the realms of the unplanned, unexpected and ultimately unlimited. Children and young people are given encouragement to direct their own learning – this often requires catalysing on the part of the Forest School leader either through stimulating play in the outdoors or through ‘scaffolding’ a child’s learning, but mostly through simply observing how children are in the outdoors.

Significantly, and on many levels, a woodland environment is central in supporting this very dynamic approach to learning: the passage of time, from the changing of the seasons, to the contemplation of an ancient tree; the dynamic nature of an outdoor environment – an infinite source of smells, textures, sounds and tastes; a range of visual stimuli from near to far, high to low, very big to very small; and the infinite layers of historical, cultural, spiritual and mythological significance that speak of our deep relationship with trees and woodland through the ages.

• Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.

• Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.

• Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those 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 qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

• Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

Our Forest School has been established for a number of years and is a cherished and much anticipated part of the school week for children in Reception and Years 1 and 2. Forest School is an integral part of the Early Years and Key Stage One curriculum with classes making regular trips to our fabulous outdoor learning settings;

Where do we go?

Forest School sessions are held either within our own beautiful school grounds or small, private woodland called Fowlers Paddock, which is a short stroll away. The school area is adjacent to the school pond which is a natural pond formed on the clay surface beneath. There is an enormous oak tree with smaller trees as well and the oak tree is encircled with small log seats.

How often do we go?

Once the Reception Class has settled in school they work in the Forest School area every Thursday afternoon, come rain or shine. The only reason for cancelling a Forest School session is if there is a high wind. Other classes within the school are given a block of six Forest School sessions in a rotation.

What do we do?

No two days at Forest School are the same as each session is completely child-lead. Chosen activities can range from building a simple but weatherproof woodland shelter to using natural sustainable materials for a creative project and from learning to use tools safely to simply sharing the discovery of an unsuspecting family of earwigs with friends. Whatever the children task themselves with on a given day, our Forest School is always a safe environment for them to take supported risks, test ideas, make mistakes, overcome challenges and question or rejoice in the natural world around them.

Who is the lead teacher?

Mrs Elmes, our Reception Class teacher is the Forest School leader. She holds a Forest School qualification and has enjoyed leading this type of activity for many years.

How long do lessons last?

A Forest School session lasts approximately an hour and a half but it may continue with follow-up work in the classroom.

How does our Forest School Learning help us in the classroom?

Exploring the great outdoors not only stimulates children’s natural curiosity, but makes other school subjects, such as literacy, numeracy and science topic work more relevant. As the children gain new skills and knowledge outside the classroom, so they become excited about their learning which, in turn enhances their potential back inside the classroom. As self-esteem grows, we often see children become more motivated to participate in classroom activities and confidently express their ideas in front of their peers. We see other pupils clearly enjoying their improved physical stamina and motor skills whether that’s during PE lessons, on the sports field or out and about with friends during break times. Making decisions and not giving up when things don’t quite go quite to plan in Forest School are also essential skills the children need in life.

The happy bi-product of children directing their own learning through our Forest School programme, is ultimately, the emergence of more resilient, independent, confident and creative learners. This, combined with our ability to satisfy the ongoing fascination children have with the natural world around them makes Forest School at Hawkhurst Primary, a very special place indeed. It can also get a bit muddy, but as every parent knows – busy little explorers on an important woodland mission are always going to get more than their hands dirty!

“We like being outside and in the fresh air. It is great when we make things out of wood, such a bows and arrows, pendant necklaces and when we weave natural items to make something.”