What is Forest School?
Forest School is an outdoor programme led by trained staff that offers the children a chance to develop an understanding and appreciation for the natural environment. Within a typical Forest School session, children will be taught a range of skills including: bush craft; fire lighting; shelter building; ropes and knots, enabling them to design and build a range of items using natural materials. They will also engage in imaginative play, thus sparking their natural curiosities. The sessions will offer the freedom to take managed risks and approach challenges, encouraging the children to become independent and resilient learners. The children will also understand the importance of working as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
Who participates?
As Forest School is new to Smitham, we have introduced it to Year 3 and Year 5. The children in these year groups will experience a Forest School programme in a group of no more than 15 children across a 1/2 term. Each group will have two Forest Leaders supporting the session.
There is also a Forest School Club for Year 3 children which is run by a Forest Leader and another member of school staff.
Clothing
All of our learning takes place outside. Therefore children are expected to arrive at school with clothing suited to the weather. Please see the list below:
Autumn/Winter
Waterproof coat,
Waterproof trousers (we do have a few spare pairs of waterproof over-trousers)
Spare pair of waterproof boots/shoes (these will be put on when we are outside so the children do need to be wearing their usual footwear)
Hat, gloves and an extra jumper to keep warm
Spring/Summer
Waterproof coat
Trousers (to reduce the risk of ticks and nettle stings)
Long sleeves (to reduce the risk of ticks and nettle stings)
Sun cream
Sun hat
Please note: we practise fire-lighting in some of our sessions so the children may come home smelling of smoke.
Children will also be encouraged to bring their water bottles outside with them.