As featured in The Headteacher magazine October 2021 edition.
‘Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.’ The Forest School Association.
From Reception through to Year 6 our children benefit from the exciting and inspiring classroom within our Forest School. We are fortunate enough to visit Spencer’s Spinney within the Spencer’s estate in Great Yeldham – a place where a river flows, there are trees to swing on and banks to climb; all within walking distance from the school.
The day starts for Reception by climbing into their yellow waterproof outfits, the rest of the school wear their own old clothes and waterproofs, before heading off to the forest. Even the journey enables the children to face challenges that demand cooperation and patience. They must share the carrying of equipment, the dragging of water barrels, contend with two kissing gates and a steep path. Developing determination and resilience is an important value at St Andrew’s and the journey is a great test of this.
Terry Halls from Essex Outdoors is our patient and knowledgeable leader who is full of fascinating facts about wildlife and nature. He has already spent at least the first couple of hours of the day setting up swings, a shelter, the boundary markers, the ‘toilet’ area, the ‘classroom’ and ensured that the area is safe. He leads us to the forest- frequently stopping to discuss badger latrines, dock leaves, trees, bird song and other subjects.
When we arrive, Terry asks the children to stop and listen- really listen. Something that children and adults alike don’t always take time to do! This is where the children begin to understand that we are going to enter an environment that belongs to nature and we are just the visitors. Everybody asks, ‘Can we come in?’. Usually we can then hear a blackbird, a pigeon or the chatter of a sparrow and this is our cue that they have said ‘Yes!’. This underpins our value of respect and inspires a meaningful connection to the world and how they can fit within in.
The session starts sitting in a square of log seats. We listen, remind ourselves of the rules, safety and the boundary before the children are able to explore. It’s very interesting to watch how the initial rush of energy and excitement soon develops into groups of children throughout the forest finding calm, industrious tasks to take on. Making wooden tools or necklaces with potato peelers, knives, saws, pruners and clippers- engaged in activities and taking ‘supported risks’.
The children make ‘mud pies’, collect bugs, river dip, build dams and create dens. These experiences outside of the classroom are so valuable. It gives the child who is not meeting ‘ARE’ the chance to lead others into building swings and dams, ensuring that they feel success. This area of the curriculum is vital for the development of the whole child and gives our children the chance to find something that they are good at. We are able to create a learning environment that doesn’t judge, nurtures their exploring and allows them to try new experiences.
It’s fascinating to see the very confident child we might see in the classroom find the challenges of Forest School daunting. Feeling out of their ‘comfort zone’ and faced with testing their physical abilities. Forest School is truly unique, as it is a place where everyone can find a challenge and a success. It helps to encourage independence and creativity through the free opportunity to explore.
Recently we took our Year 6 class to Forest School. Initially only a couple of the children wanted to experience the mud slide, but by the end virtually everyone was involved. Someone getting the water, working as a team to pass it to the top, someone tipping it down and everyone sliding down! Only then to repeat the whole experience again and again. It was so lovely to see friendships strengthen through trust and by sharing wonderful moments.
Forest School is a special place. A place to explore the natural world, deepen relationships with others and better understand yourself. A place which helps children to develop intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
JOHN 15:5
© The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust 2020 a company limited by guarantee and registered in England. No 8709542.
Registered address: The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust, Diocesan Offices, 53, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1AT.
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