Forest Schools is not a place, not an individual lesson, it’s a philosophy.

 

What is Forest School?

 

Forest school focuses on the holistic development of children, learning through play and exploration. It gives children the opportunity to develop their confidence and self esteem through hands on learning in a woodland environment. The children are taught how to assess and manage risks, solve problems and work together. The sessions are child led and children are encouraged to explore the woodland environment, taking a lead in their own learning. Staff members act as “facilitators”, supporting children in their learning and helping to develop and extend their ideas.

Our Forest School sessions take place in the Green Zone area in a corner of woodland just a short walk from the school site and are led by our Forest School leader who holds a Level 3 Forest School practitioner qualification.

In addition to this, a number of other staff members will also be helping with the sessions.

 

Our Forest School Lead is Mrs Booker

Hello I’m Miss Booker.

I am the Forest school leader at Rowsley Primary school.

I am a qualified Level 3 forest school practitioner and have a great love of the outdoors.

Outside of school I love being active and having adventures with my 2 children and my cockapoo called Ziggy.

 

What happens at Forest Schools?

Every session starts with a prayer and ends with spiritual reflective time – being thankful to God for all that he has provided. Each week the groups will change into their appropriate Forest School clothing and venture out to one of our Forest School sites. Games are played and small achievable tasks are set, such as collecting natural materials and building shelters from sticks, rope and other materials. Under careful supervision, the children will also be introduced to a range of tools such as sheaf knives, billhooks, bow saws and loppers (which the PTA kindly provided funding for). These tools present the opportunity to make objects such as mallets, tent pegs, picture frames and more. Children will also learn about fire and outdoor cooking. Group tasks and team-building activities will be regularly undertaken to encourage social interaction and communication, and the levels of challenge will be adapted according to abilities. Although there is no prescribed list of activities at Forest School, many National Curriculum targets will be met through the Forest School programme, particularly RE, PSHE, Science, PE, Maths, Literacy and Geography. Themes of study can be brought into sessions and developed back at school.