Forest School

As part of a new teaching approach, both Mrs Pratt and Miss Kirby have been trained to become qualified ‘Forest School’ leaders. This enables them to run a Forest School programme in our forest area, for every child across the school at various time throughout the school year.

Our activities and Forest School sessions will depend on the interests, ability and experience of individuals. Examples of Forest School activities include:

• Exploring the natural environment.
• Developing a relationship with the environment and learning how to manage it.
• Building dens to enrich the children’s problem solving skills.
• Fires and cooking.
• Natural crafts.
• Learning to use tools such as knives and saws, safely.
• Scavenger hunts and adventure.
• Team games.
• Storytelling.

At South Wootton Junior School we believe that developing emotional intelligence, self-esteem and social skills are the key foundations that a person needs, and time is taken to develop these. During Forest School, children will be motivated and feel empowered to achieve tasks and take part in activities that challenge their individual aspirations. They will also develop an understanding and connection with the natural world, work with tools, play, explore, and learn the boundaries of behaviour by managing risks. The Forest School approach also enhances the creative, enquiry based teaching that already happens in the classrooms. It is another approach that we hope makes our school a fun, enjoyable, memorable place to learn and grow.

Forest School sessions will take place in almost all weathers, so please ensure that your child has a warm waterproof coat, gloves, and suitable shoes such as old trainers or wellingtons. You and your child will be told in advance, when their Forest School sessions are due to take place and what types of clothing they are likely to need (weather dependant). If you have any questions or would like more information, please see the office and ask for Mrs Pratt or Miss Kirby.