Forest school is an inspiring process, a specialised approach to outdoor learning that aims to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning in woodland environments.
Forest School is a unique way of building independence and self-esteem in young children, exposing them to the natural world at a time where it is vital for children to understand their impact on the environment. It is a child-centred programme that provides the opportunity for the children to use their personal learning style to complete various activities.
Forest School is a chance for the children at Pentland Primary School to have new, creative experiences in the outdoor environment in a safe way. Children will have opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems, negotiate with others and work as a team.
Through purposeful and careful planning of Forest School sessions, we strive to increase self-confidence, improve children’s concentration, attendance, behaviour and academic achievement. We aim to foster a love and respect for wildlife and the environment through stimulating natural learning experiences, inspiring children to value biodiversity and develop a strong understanding of how to promote environmental sustainability. The Forest School space is utilised all year round, with sessions adapted to compliment the ever-changing conditions, resources and challenges of the natural world through the seasons.
At Pentland Primary School, we put the children’s needs at the heart of all our provision and Forest School only continues to enhance this ethos. Our Forest School promotes mindfulness, empathy and cultural diversity, ensuring everyone feels valued and that individuality is celebrated. We are highly confident that Forest School provision will not only compliment and extend the curriculum, but also nurture children to become successful lifelong learners and happy, fulfilled adults who can make positive choices about their futures.
It is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review. It takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world, using a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
Sessions are led by qualified Forest School leaders who are trained in outdoor learning and safety. Safety is paramount, with careful site assessments and detailed training provided to children for all activities. Forest School activities can complement the wider curriculum by providing context for learning and offering alternative experiences.
Activities include: designing and making mini and large shelters and testing their suitability; woodland art and design including leaf mandalas and leaf mobiles; mini-beast hunt and using classification keys; fire-making with flint and steel; and of course, marshmallow toasting around a campfire!
Forest School learning experiences create endless opportunities for cross-curricular links to Science, Mathematics, English, History, Geography, PE, RPE and Art.