Forest Schools - Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
Through the teaching of Forest Schools at Otterburn Primary School we aim to:
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Create a safe and sustainable outdoor environment where our children can explore and take risks.
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Encourage them to develop a love and understanding of nature and the world around them because of where they live and for them to be able to use this to help them in their learning.
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Give them the opportunity to develop their curiosity, confidence, self-esteem, creativity, empathy and communication skills.
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Develop their ability to assess risks.
Implementation
At Otterburn Primary school we teach Forest Schools in a term block with each session lasting the whole afternoon. This allows children to have a sustained amount of time in the forest where they can immerse themselves in their learning. Children will take part in activities appropriate to their age, ability and experience and will be encouraged to try new things that may push them outside their comfort zone.
We use a variety of approaches in the forest including, individual work, paired work and group work. Sometimes children choose who they would like to work with, at other times the adults choose. This allows them to experience working alongside many different people in many different situations. Some sessions have a particular focus where we are teaching or practising specific skills while in other sessions we allow children to choose their own learning.
Stories are often used as focus, especially with the younger children, but not exclusively. These provide children with a purpose in their activities, allowing them to be creative using their knowledge of the story as their basis.
Children know the rules of our forest and are encouraged to put them into practice themselves, making their own decisions based on things like weather, ground conditions and group dynamics. If needed, the decisions they make are challenged through discussion.
Impact
At Otterburn Primary School we want children to love the outdoors. Our time in the forest allows them time and freedom to explore and learn about themselves and their own capabilities and the impact they can have on the environment around them.
Progress is measured each term by ongoing teacher observation of the children’s engagement and attitude and by questioning them around the key skills and knowledge in relation to Forest School. Children are encouraged to use the skills and attitudes they have developed in the forest when they are back in the classroom. Teachers will make reference to this to help children make those connections.