At Our Lady and Saint Teresa’s we are very lucky to have our own forest where we run our forest school sessions.
The philosophy of our forest school is to encourage and inspire children, through positive outdoor experiences. The children engage in tasks and challenges which promote independence, motivation and self-control. The sessions are child driven; the adults are there to facilitate and assist and to oversee safety.
Forest school encourages development in all areas of a child’s learning, including physical, social, emotional, spiritual, scientific, and self-confidence.
Forest School Sessions
Planning for a forest school session focusses on developmental outcomes rather than activities. The child’s well-being and mindfulness are at the heart of Forest School lessons. This is achieved when the children choose and develop their own activities and work and play along-side their peers.
There are also opportunities to learn how to use tools and fire building in a supervised and controlled way. Learning about health and safety and risk management are a core focus of Forest School.
Some of the activities we engage in at Forest School
Making Friends
Exploring Nature
Work as Part of a Team
Mini Beast Hunts
Building Dens
Being Created
Fire Craft
Mud Kitchen
Climbing
Swinging
Exploring
Our little wood in the corner of the field is a magical place where children can let their imaginations fly.
From buliding fairy houses to eating marshmallows, cooked by the fire they experience some independence and freedom in a different environment from the classroom.
Mrs Beeri is the Forest School Leader, with other staff members helping run each session.