Forest School

Here at St. Matthew’s High Brooms CE Primary School, we run an established Forest School Programme supervised by a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader and school staff. Children from across the school enjoy spending time exploring nature in small groups in our small forest school area on the school site.We also have the opportunity to use an off-site private woodland.

The Principles of Forest Schools are:

  • Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions.
  • Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
  • Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
  • 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. 

The inclusion of Forest School within our school’s curriculum supports the development of the learner’s skill for learning. It teaches children that they can own and design their own learning opportunities. It creates opportunities for and builds resilience, creativity, independence, team-work and skills in the assessment of risk- taking.

During their regular sessions, children learn about the flora, fauna and wildlife in the local area, how to lay and light a fire, how to use natural materials to build structures and how to use tools and equipment safely. They have built up practical skills with tools and knots and have been able to make name badges and musical instruments.Their highlight is boiling a Kelly Kettle to make hot chocolate.

 

Our Forest School Programmes run throughout the year and encompass all seasons. The winter days may be cold and muddy but the thought of hot chocolate and marshmallows keep the children full of enthusiasm.