The Forest School originated in Demark and is based on the idea that children can develop enthusiasm for education through an appreciation of nature.
It has shown that a pupil’s confidence and social skills improved over time. Forest School is an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.
By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment, children have the opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation and emotional and social skills. They learn about the natural environment, how to handle risk and to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Physical activity promotes physical and mental wellbeing, which can form part of a life long process.
With repeated visits to the Forest School site, children will progressively build on new skills; revisiting activities that they enjoy. Children new to Forest School may find that the challenging environment enables them to realise their potential for the first time. Forest School offers the children a way to engage positively with their local outdoor environment, becoming more knowledgeable.
We believe that elements of the Forest School programme are important for the all-round development of our pupils, as well as providing opportunities for them to grow in confidence, self-esteem and independence.
