Forest School encourages children’s holistic development through outdoor play and exploration. Spending regular time in nature is a wonderful chance for children to enhance their wellbeing and connect with the outside world.
Based on the six Forest School Principles, sessions suit a range of learning styles and engage children in various ways. Building confidence and self-esteem, children will take supported risks, learn new skills and have a space to be creative.
Sessions are led by experienced and trained Level 3 Forest School leaders. Our programmes are
usually formed of six regular two-hour sessions, undertaken across a half term, or over a longer
period. The content of the programme will be led by the children, and will vary according to the
group’s age, interests and needs.
Forest School is outdoor nature-based learning which focuses on the holistic development of the
child and is a child-centred, inspirational learning process. It is a long-term program taking place
over a series of visits over a period of time.
We also offer Forest Schools for Early Years and Key Stage 1
Learning Objectives
- Take supported risks appropriate to the individual child.
- Feel confident in the outdoor environment and leading their own play.
- Reflect on their own experiences and their achievements at Forest School.
- Develop their relationship and connection to nature and the outdoors.
- Develop their own emotional intelligence by recognising their feelings and the feelings of others.
- Work as a team to support their peers and adults at Forest School.
- Raise their own self-esteem through participation in child led learning and the learning of new skills.
Example Timetable
The course normally runs 10am – 12pm or 1pm to 3pm.
First Forest School Session
- This will enable the children to settle into Forest Schools, they will become familiar with the site, what activities might be available to them and how to keep themselves safe at Forest school.
Following Sessions
Within the safe boundaries of Forest School, the children will lead their own learning. The leader will provide resources and skills to scaffold the children to develop and grow in confidence.
Forest School encompasses a range of outdoor activities which may include:
- Nature discovery
- Sensory games
- Bushcraft, including tool use, fire lighting, and shelters (* Not available at every location)
- Arts and Crafts
- Team building
- Physical play
- Natural exploration
- Wildlife conservation
- Imaginative activities
- Child-led activities
- Risk-taking
The children will reflect on the session at the end, which will then lead to planning for the following session.
How this course fulfills the specification
Forest School is more about the process than the activities set. Students steer their own learning journeys and have the freedom to explore, make their own choices and apply their own knowledge and skills. Forest School sessions seek to consolidate all areas of the curriculum and build and extend knowledge. There will be links to literacy, science, maths, art and design technology and PSHE.
Added value of this course
The programme helps to build self-esteem, communication skills, independence, emotional intelligence, resilience and self-confidence.
Related Information
Customer Information
Details of how to book, terms and conditions, policies and procedures, including risk assessments, can be found on our website here.
Variation
The outline shown is indicative. Whilst we do our best to deliver the agreed programme, we sometimes must change the programme due to for example, weather, access to sites, or staffing issues. Most changes are insignificant and will not affect your trip.
Liaison
This programme is designed to meet the curriculum/specification requirements.
Prior to your visit, one of the Tutors leading your group will be in touch via email. This is an opportunity for us to find out more about the group and to make small adjustments to meet your groups needs.
Tuition
Tuition is delivered by Field Studies Council Tutors, with an expert knowledge of the subject and fieldwork locations, and a passion for the subject being taught. The education team are DBS checked, and undergo regular training including in first aid, water safety and risk assessments.
Transport
There is no requirement for transport during the day. All activities take place on site or within walking distance.
Teaching Groups
Your group will be divided into an agreed number of taught groups at the point of booking. This may not match your normal classes. Please subdivide the taught group into subgroups in advance of your visit, discuss with the Tutor at liaison how many subgroups are required.
Teachers and supporting adults
The school should provide teachers and support staff, or parents, to meet minimum ratios per teaching group. Teachers and adults are expected to participate and support the student's learning. Teachers are expected to manage behaviour & support group management, and to supervise break and lunch times.
What to bring
A kit list can be found on our website here. Please adjust this based on the weather conditions. Ensure the group bring lunch and plenty to drink.
Clothing and footwear
Appropriate outdoor clothing (and waterproofs) should be worn, taking into account the weather forecast. The group will be outside most of the day, even in wet weather. It is advised that long trousers are worn, even on sunny days due to the presence of ticks. We advise wearing sensible footwear – trainers or walking boots that can get muddy.
Why Choose Field Studies Council?
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Expert tuition by fully trained staff
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Stunning locations across the UK
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Outstanding curriculum knowledge
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Rigorous health and safety procedures
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Support before and after your visit
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Free places for visiting staff