Forest School
Forest School Leads: Mrs Berry and Mrs Walker
At Holden Clough Primary School, we are incredibly proud of our Forest School program, which is a unique and integral part of our curriculum. Our pupils enjoy the benefit of learning in the great outdoors, under the guidance of our trained Forest School teacher, as well as our highly skilled Forest School Leaders, Mrs. Berry and Mrs. Walker. Through Forest School, we offer every child hands-on, nature-based learning experiences throughout the year, ensuring that all pupils develop confidence, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world.
Intent
Our Forest School curriculum aims to:
Provide children with regular opportunities to explore and learn in a natural outdoor environment, fostering a deep connection with nature.
Support the holistic development of each child, enhancing physical, emotional, social, and cognitive skills through outdoor play and activities.
Build resilience, confidence, independence, and teamwork by encouraging children to take on challenges and work collaboratively in a supportive outdoor setting.
Develop problem-solving, creativity, and practical skills by giving children the freedom to explore, investigate, and experiment in nature.
Promote well-being, mindfulness, and a sense of responsibility for the environment by encouraging children to care for the natural world around them.
We believe that learning in nature helps children develop essential life skills and creates a sense of well-being that supports their academic success and personal development.
Implementation
Our Forest School program is delivered by our dedicated Forest School teacher, alongside our enthusiastic Forest School Leaders, Mrs. Berry and Mrs. Walker. Every class participates in Forest School sessions throughout the year, ensuring all children benefit from this enriching experience. Here’s how we implement it:
Outdoor Learning: Sessions take place in our specially designated Forest School area, where children can explore woodland, gardens, and wildlife habitats in a safe and stimulating environment.
Child-Led Exploration: Forest School sessions are child-led, encouraging pupils to follow their own interests, whether it’s building dens, climbing trees, or identifying plants and animals.
Skills Development: Children learn practical skills such as shelter building, fire lighting, tool use, and nature crafts, all under the careful supervision of our trained staff.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Activities often involve working in small groups, promoting teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Year-Round Learning: Forest School runs in all seasons, allowing children to experience the beauty and challenges of nature throughout the year, from the changing colors of autumn to the new life of spring.
Emotional and Social Development: Our sessions are designed to support children’s emotional well-being, providing a calm and reflective space to build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.
Our Forest School Leaders, Mrs. Berry and Mrs. Walker, bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the program, ensuring that every child feels supported and encouraged as they learn and grow in the outdoor environment.
Impact
The impact of our Forest School curriculum is profound and far-reaching:
Confidence and Independence: Children become more confident in their own abilities as they tackle new challenges and take calculated risks in a safe, natural environment.
Teamwork and Social Skills: Pupils learn to work together, communicate effectively, and develop stronger social bonds with their peers through shared outdoor experiences.
Physical and Mental Well-Being: Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve both physical health and mental well-being. Our children benefit from regular outdoor exercise, fresh air, and the calming influence of nature.
Environmental Stewardship: Forest School instills a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural world, encouraging children to become environmentally conscious citizens who care for their planet.
Practical and Problem-Solving Skills: Children develop key life skills, such as problem-solving, resourcefulness, and resilience, which will serve them well in all aspects of their lives.
Forest School at Holden Clough is not just an outdoor activity; it is a vital part of our educational ethos, supporting the personal growth and well-being of every child, while fostering a lifelong connection with the natural world.