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Forest School at Leigh Academy Milestone
Leigh Academy Milestone’s Forest School program focuses on the holistic development of students through child-led learning in an outdoor environment. Sessions, led by a trained Forest School leader and class staff, are designed to support students’ emotional, social, and physical growth by offering opportunities for supported risk-taking and collaborative play. The program promotes independence, problem-solving, and communication skills, which in turn boosts confidence and self-esteem. Engaging with tools and natural resources for activities like woodland crafts encourages creativity and imagination.
Students have the freedom to guide their own learning through activities such as building dens, climbing trees, and exploring nature. A key component of the experience is learning to safely cook over a campfire. The curriculum also fosters environmental awareness and positive mental health by providing a break from technology, while connecting outdoor learning to classroom IB topics.
Forest School is held in a secure area within the school grounds and shall be held whatever the weather so students should be dressed appropriately. We recommend students wear layers, with a waterproof coat and wellington boots for cold weather and removable layers, boots and sun protection in warm weather.
The Principles of Forest School
Principle 1: Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
Principle 2: Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Principle 3: Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners
Principle 4: Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Principle 5: Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Principle 6: Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
Learning Objective: I can explore play at height.
Learning Objective: I can explore and appreciate different types of weather.
Learning Objective: I can follow instructions.
Learning Objective: I can create a tower using my fine motor skills.
Learning Objective: I can build a tower using my fine motor skills.
Learning Objective: I can use tools to explore different textures.
Learning Objective: I can explore the woodland, including climbing trees.
Learning Objective: I can explore different textures in the woodland.
Learning Objective: I can explore different sounds in the woodland.
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