Forest Schools
We are able to offer Forest School programmes at a number of our
sites. Three of our Education Rangers are Forest Schools
Level 3 practitioners who are qualified to lead sessions and tailor
them to any specific needs.
This is a focused programme of both structured and unstructured
activities which enriches the curriculum through woodland adventure
for all key stages.
Forest School offers a range of bush craft
activities, learning basic forest techniques including pencil,
mallet and jewellery making, shelter building and simple arts and
crafts. Forest School is structured in such a way that self-esteem
and confidence is promoted through a series of small achievable
tasks. The activities are available to all groups and
abilities.
Forest School activities can be used in
conjunction with traditional activities or as a stand-alone unit
where groups can visit for a number of weeks. All these activities
are linked to the national curriculum, but due to the nature of the
activities (some requiring the use of basic hand tools), group
sizes are limited to 15.
Flexible courses complementing subjects such
as english, mathematics, science, design and technology and
citizenship can be planned, and our Education Rangers are able to
visit your site to deliver programme by arrangement.
A typical primary programme for 15
pupils will include:
- Getting to know the Forest School site
- Appreciating and respecting the natural
environment – through songs, music, role play sensory activities
and practical tasks
- Introducing bushcraft activities including
working with tools to do woodland crafts and campfire cooking
- Involvement in conservation of site –
wildlife surveys, insect feeders, nest boxes, coppicing
- Inspiring language and mathematics skills
through natural art and creativity
A typical secondary programme for 15
pupils will include:
- Exploration of the local environment and introduction to Forest
School approach
- Working as a team
- Woodlandcrafts to develop maths and communication skills