What is Forest School?

What is Forest School?

Castle Camps Primary School is lucky enough to have a Forest School, which will be situated at The Millennium Woods approximately a 10 minute walk from School. The experience will last the half term with the same group of children, the ratio of adult to child will be 1:6 and the group will be a maximum of 12 children.

How will playing in the wood help my child?

Play is an essential part of Forest School, as it allows children to learn in a fun way that is not pressured. It allows the child to learn outside the classroom and make their own choices and experiences. Children will become absorbed with the outdoor space and will be able to relate to it on so many levels. They will learn to respect it; they will learn to become creative with the space using imagination and teamwork. They will develop independence and will explore their own abilities and initiative to solve problems.

During Forest School, we teach the children that the great outdoors can be experienced in all weathers (except for high winds, thunder and lightning) nothing should stop us. We

can wrap up warm and put on waterproof clothing and experience the site in a new light. During these times we will experience different sights, feelings and emotions.

While at Forest School, there will be many opportunities to develop as a person, this can be emotionally, physically and spiritually. To ensure this is possible for every child the Forest School Principles will be followed, this will allow the child to grow throughout their experience. Every child will have the opportunity to take supported risks, gaining confidence, building motivation and bringing home a positive attitude. This positive outcome will echo back to the classroom and will support classroom learning.