Forest School

What is Forest School?

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners
4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning

What are the aims of Forest School?

To raise awareness and appreciation of the natural environment

To provide children with the opportunity to take risks in a safe and supportive environment

To enjoy learning in an outdoor, natural environment.

Who is Forest School for?

Forest School is for everyone.  All children are able to take part and develop and learn from forest school experiences.  Children at Holden Clough will have the opportunity to take part in forest school activities throughout the year.  

Anti-bullying week.  

The Year 3 children discussed the importance of being kind to each other and being considerate and respectful to everyone.  Year 3 children worked together with a partner to make a friendship bracelet and a zip pull for their jacket/coat.  The children demonstrated that they had good communication skills to help their partner find the wool in the forest area so that they could make a friendship bracelet.

Teamwork.

One half of Year  5 worked together to put up a shelter on a cold and wet Tuesday afternoon, whilst the second half of the group collected wood to use as fuel for the camp fire.  The children discussed the importance of keeping the wood dry so that it can be used to burn on the campfire.  The children had a well deserved cup of hot chocolate and a biscuit after all their hard work.  The children did a fantastic job and once the wood dries out we will be able to use it to burn on the fire.  Well done Year 5.