Forest School

Three times a year, school visits Forest school together. This provides us with the opportunity to explore our termly topic, which is a Christian School Value. We explore the meaning of the different festivals in the church's year with a Forest/Messy Church approach. Here we engage in a Forest School Curriculum. 

For example, in term 2, we explore Advent and preparation for Christmas. In term 4, we explore Lent and later, Easter. In term 5, we explore Ascension and Pentecost.

Children and young people are stimulated by the outdoors and typically experience, over time, an increase in their self belief, confidence, learning capacity, enthusiasm, communication and problem-solving skills and emotional well-being.

Forest School sets learning in a different context for children where they can undertake a range of practical activities and carry out small achievable tasks. At Forest School children can develop their team working skills and also learn to become more independent. Those who are unfamiliar with woodlands and green spaces can become confident in using them and this can form the basis of a life-long relationship with natural spaces.
My child really enjoys forest school
— Parent View November 2021
At Forest School children are physically active and their stamina improves as they go through their Forest School sessions. Their experience can also lead to the development of healthier lifestyles as children ask parents to take them on trips to woodlands and green spaces outside of school times. As the children gain confidence and improve their self-esteem this can impact on their emotional and mental well-being.