Forest Schools
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. - Forest School Association
The philosophy at Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals through learning outdoors, pupils will participate in a range of hand on learning activities, that are engaging, motivating and develop self-awareness to achieve their full potential.
Forest School first developed in Scandinavia and is the roots of its education. It enables pupils to access the woodland areas on a regular basis and develop their skills through play and structured learning. It develops opportunity for pupils to learn about their natural surroundings, how to handle risks and use their own initiative to problem solve and develop relationships with peers.
This year we have been fortunate enough to have 2 of our teachers (Sam and Jade) and 3 of our Teaching Assistants (Geta, Briony and Andy) trained in Level 3 Forest schools and a number of TAs trained in outdoor learning to support within Forest schools and other outdoor learning activities.
Over the coming months we will be working closely with our school champion to develop our Forest School area. Our aim will be to create an accessible outdoor classroom and enhance specific learning zones out in the forest including, a music wall, digging area and a Fairy Garden.
We have begun our Forest School journey within our weekly outdoor learning sessions, Forest School intervention, School Champion intervention and enriching activities which has been a huge success so far. Some of the activities we have already included are: rainbow hunt, a treasure garden adventure, a trip through space and team building activities.
We ask for any support in helping the pupils to access the outdoors by providing donations of outdoor clothing, wellies, spare clothes and any waterproof clothing you may have. Also if your child is participating in Forest school please ensure they have the above sent into school with their name clearly labelled. Any donations would be greatly appreciated as this will ensure all pupils can access the outdoor learning environment.
Here at Fox Wood we take great pride in delivering our Forest School sessions, enabling the pupils to explore their surroundings, build confidence and develop communication skills. We feel our pupils benefit significantly from these sessions and have developed our own 40 things to do before you leave Fox Wood for pupils to continue their learning at home! You will find these booklets on this page and if you require a paper copy please contact your class team who will happily provide you with one. Don't forget to upload any of the activities you complete on Evidence for Learning so your child can collect their stamp and work towards getting their certificates! We look forward to seeing what you get up too!