Forest School
Forest School Leads: Mrs. Berry and Mrs. Walker
Intent
At Holden Clough Primary School, our Forest School programme is designed to nurture the whole child through immersive, hands-on experiences in nature. We aim to:
Develop resilience, independence, and confidence through outdoor learning.
Foster a deep respect for the natural environment and sustainable practices.
Equip pupils with practical life skills such as tool use, knot tying, and shelter building.
Support emotional well-being, creativity, and teamwork in a natural setting.
Provide progressive, age-appropriate experiences that build on prior knowledge and skills from Year 1 through Year 6.
Implementation
Our Forest School curriculum is carefully structured across the academic year to ensure progression and depth:
Year 1: In the summer term, pupils are introduced to the Rules of the Forest and engage in Mini Shelter Building, laying the foundation for safe, respectful, and imaginative outdoor learning.
Autumn Term:
Year 2 & 3 focus on Forest Management, developing environmental awareness and stewardship.
Years 4–6 build teamwork and problem-solving skills through Knot Tying and Shelter Building.
Spring Term:
All pupils in Years 2–6 engage in Tool Use, learning to handle tools safely and responsibly, building fine motor skills and confidence.
Summer Term:
Pupils revisit Knot Tying and Shelter Building (Y2) and explore Natural Art (Y3–Y6), encouraging creativity, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to nature.
Sessions are led by trained Forest School leaders in our dedicated outdoor learning environment. Activities are child-led where possible, with opportunities for exploration, risk-taking, and reflection.
Impact
By the end of each academic year, pupils at Holden Clough will:
Demonstrate increased confidence, resilience, and independence.
Show improved collaboration and communication skills.
Apply practical outdoor skills with competence and safety.
Exhibit a strong sense of environmental responsibility and care.
Reflect positively on their experiences, contributing to their overall well-being and personal development.
Pupil voice, observational assessments, and photographic evidence are used to monitor progress and celebrate achievements. Forest School is a valued part of our curriculum, enriching the lives of our pupils and supporting their growth beyond the classroom.