Intent

At Four Dwellings Primary Academy our school vision is “For each and every child inspired to choose a Remarkable life” Forest school experiences will be open to all year groups, be run regularly and will uphold the high standards and expectations that our school sets for its children. We believe in a child’s right to play; the right to access to the outdoors; and the right to experience risk in a controlled way using the natural woodland. We want our children to develop their emotional intelligence through social interaction, building resilience to enable creative engagement with the woodland and their peers to reach their potential through the following aims:

• To enable children to learn respect for the natural world.

• To improve children’s life skills and experiences.

• To instil collaboration.

• To transfer negative behaviours into positive ones.

• To develop their personal, social and emotional state.

• To build self-esteem and confidence.

• To become resilient, determined and independent learners.

• To encourage and develop creativity.

• To let children be children and allow free choice play.

These aims will be achieved with a variety of experiences, techniques and strategies taught and learnt in a positive, enjoyable, creative way that will encourage children to transfer their skills and knowledge into the classroom and in life outside of school.

Implementation

Activities for Forest school are diverse and plentiful. Its holistic approach is globally recognised.  Children will be taught a wide range of skills including but not limited to:

• Shelter building.

• Sensory activities.

• Art and sculpture work.

• Fire lighting and cooking.

• Drama, stories and meeting imaginary characters.

• Team and group challenges

• Tool use.

• Woodland management.

• Rope and string work, tying knots.

Sessions will run in all weathers and through all seasons. Adequate clothing and footwear will be provided. To ensure high standards of teaching and learning we, implement progressive experiences throughout the whole school which have links to other subjects.

Impact

As a result of taking part in the Forest School Program, children will have an increased awareness of the natural world, effects on local community and the wider world. They will leave with a sense of belonging, determination, independence and an increased ability to problem solve, think logically, reflect and self-regulate.