Forest Schools

At Woore we have our own forest school site within our grounds. All children (including Nursery pupils) access forest schools each week. We take part in Forest School sessions in all weathers except exceptionally cold or windy conditions.

At Forest Schools learning happens in a fun and unconscious way by exploring, being creative and playing. Children will learn about their local natural environment simply by being in it. They are encouraged to develop independence, improve their decision making and raise their self-esteem, to use their initiative to solve problems, co-operate with their friends and peers to achieve small tasks, and to manage risks in an informed and safe way.

What do children do at Forest Schools?

• Forest games
• Build dens and shelters
• Create environmental art
• Work with their group in team tasks
• Explore the natural, living environment
• Cross-curricular learning
• Use tools and equipment safely
• Use the mud kitchen
• Cook on and open fire
• Share stories and learning

Learning Objectives

• To provide freedom to explore an outdoor space where there is no right or wrong way of doing things. The exciting small, achievable steps will motivate and give children confidence.
• To learn individually and collectively by sharing ideas and tasks and so develop their communication skills, empathy and understanding of how to work together to get their desired results.
• To develop a feeling of ownership of their forest space; this will foster a sense of responsibility, independence and emotional maturity in their view of themselves in the wider world.
• To understand and appreciate the boundaries that are in place to keep children safe.
• To identify the challenges and risks in the outdoor space, and for children to grow in awareness of how to regulate those risks.
• To be able to reflect upon the events of the forest school sessions and for children to appreciate how this has made them feel and possibly how they can pursue this way of learning.