Forest School

INTENT

Content

At Osbaldwick Primary we love to investigate, explore, experiment and create.

We want children to enjoy the natural world and Forest School allows them to do so  within a safe and supportive environment, whilst giving them the opportunity  to experience unfamiliar challenges and take controlled risks.  Forest School takes place in all weathers and is flexible in order to make the most of the learning potential that nature has to offer.

We want children to foster their social, emotional and mental health so Forest School is based around the principles of building confidence, boosting self esteem and encouraging an appreciation of the natural environment.

Creativity

We want children to enjoy and love learning and Forest School allows them to gain knowledge and skills in an environment that encourages creativity, for example, building unique bug hotels to learn about habitats in science or elaborate dens to explore structures in DT.

Cohesion 

The Forest School Curriculum is sequenced so that children can build on prior knowledge and skills. It provides an environment where classroom learning can be embedded through practical activity.  For example, watching lifecycles in action and experiencing seasonal changes first hand. 

Compassion

We want to provide children with opportunities to care about their environment and understand the role they play in caring for the natural world. 

Community

Through our Forest School children will have a strong sense of how the community needs to work together to care for the environment.  For example, community groups  share in the maintenance of the area, students from the university will help develop biodiversity. By actively exploring and engaging with their surroundings pupils will build an understanding that will help them become responsible citizens and appreciate the world around them.