Forest School
St Stephen's Forest School
At St Stephen’s Infant School, Forest school plays an integral part in the children’s learning. We are very lucky to have our own Forest area onsite and we have a qualified teacher who is Level 3 trained to deliver Forest School sessions every week.
Our Forest School provides a nurturing, natural environment to support the development of our children’s relationship with the natural world. It aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners whilst providing them with the opportunity to take supported risks and remain safe and secure.
Forest School supports skills and knowledge across many curriculum areas. Through experiencing learning in the natural world children gain a sense of responsibility and value for their environment in addition to confidence, self-esteem and developing a sense of awe and wonder of the world.
Forest School Introduction, Ethos and Principles.
“Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem, through hands on learning experiences in a local woodland or natural environment with trees.”
(The Forest School Ethos & Principles Document 2012)
The Forest School approach enables children to be independent, self-motivated, courageous and considerate, and sets them up for life long learning. It particularly supports the development of self-esteem and self-confidence.
Forest School provides opportunities for children to form positive relationships with others, to develop a growing awareness of their emotional needs and the needs of others, to learn to cooperate and work with their peers and adults and to learn to assess and take risks safely. Central to the philosophy of any Forest School is awareness of the natural world, and the development of emotional and physical skills within a safe and inclusive working atmosphere. Activities are often child-led, (even if they are advised by a qualified practitioner), this helps to stimulate creativity, problem solving skills and tool practice.
St. Stephen’s Infant Forest School aims to encourage children to:
develop personal and social skills
work through practical problems and challenges
use tools to create, build or manage
discover how they learn best
pursue knowledge that interests them
learn how to manage failures
build confidence in decision making and evaluating risk
develop practical skills
understand the benefits of a balanced and healthy lifestyle
explore connections between humans, wildlife and the earth
experience achievement and success
reflect on learning and experiences
develop their language and communication skills
improve physical motor skills
become more motivated
improve their concentration skills
St Stephen's Forest School Mission:
St Stephens Forest School is dedicated to bringing children closer to nature through stimulating outdoor learning experiences. Following the Forest School ethos; outdoor play and learning encourages children’s emotional and physical development, allowing them to learn risk taking, independence and self-awareness. Our natural environment offers the opportunity to be immersed in nature all year round; fully experiencing the changes of seasons and our connection to the natural world.
Aims:
Every child will have a Forest School session every week.
Every child to take part in a cooking activity every term.
Every child to be given the opportunity to use tools every term.
Every child to learn new skills and crafts every term.
St Stephen's Forest School Timetable:
Coming Soon