Forest School
Forest School Intent
Here at Dovedale, we take part in Forest School within our school grounds to give children the unique opportunity of experiencing first hand, play and learning in a controlled outdoor environment.
Forest School is the name for an approach to educating children in the outdoors on a regular basis. This work will support the main curriculum and will have emphasis on raising children’s self-esteem, independence and confidence. Learners are entitled to experience appropriate risk and challenge. They are also entitled to initiate and drive their own learning and development.
We have a qualified Level 3 Forest School Practitioner who delivers Forest School to Years 1 to 6 with each year group taking part for one half-term during the year.
Aims
We believe everyone should:
- Have regular access to a natural environment
- Have a safe environment to succeed, create, use and apply skills
- Learn through self-directed play and exploration
- Develop their curiosity, self-esteem and creativity
- Develop a knowledge of the natural environment and ability to assess risk
- Have an opportunity to understand and respect the natural world around them
Objectives
Our main objectives are to produce confident and capable children who:
- Are independent and resourceful
- Are happy and care for each other
- Do lots of outdoor physical activity
- Are gaining confidence and improving their practical skills
- Have good ideas and like to find out new things
- Can make choices and take responsibility
- Know when it is safe to take risks
- Understands, take care of and appreciates the natural environment
Quotes
Here are some of the children's responses to taking part in Forest School:
"It's a magical experience"
"One of the best experiences outside of the classroom"
"Amazing fun experience, getting out of the classroom and enjoying the wildlife"
"It's very fun and you get to do different things"
"It's very fun and you can experience more of the outdoors"
"it's a good way to learn outdoors instead of inside, and it's nice and fun"
"I like climbing trees"
"It's a really really nice things where children get to educate themselves outdoors"
"It's adventurous and fun and you get to do things with your friends"
"I like carving sticks"