Forest School

At Hawkesley Church Primary Academy, we are fortunate to have extensive school grounds including a wonderful woodland area that we use for our Forest School sessions.

Miss Green is our qualified Level 3 Forest School Teacher and leads all sessions.

At Hawkesley, we are passionate about outdoor learning and understand the importance that children’s contact with nature has on their spirituality. Not only does Forest School take learning outdoors, it allows children to develop their personal, social and emotional skills.

Further benefits of Forest School include:

· Improved confidence

· More effective communication

· Increased independence

Forest School helps children to grow in confidence as a result of the freedom, time and space they are given in their learning.

· Social skills

Activities such as sharing tools and problem solving helps to teach the children to work together as a group. This strengthens their bonds and social ties.

· Physical skills

The increase in outdoor activity is has a positive physical impact. Not only does the development of physical stamina improve but also gross and fine motor skills.

· Communication

The sensory experiences provided by Forest School’s helps prompt language development. Improving communication skills has a positive effect on a child’s self-esteem and is a crucial part of their development.

· Curiosity

· Risk Taking

Children are encouraged to take supported risks in order to develop their resilience, creativity and curiosity.

Forest School Curriculum

Types of activities will include planting, controlled fire making, shelter building, saw, drill and knife work and transient art.

Forest School Kit

Children will need weather proof clothing for their forest school sessions as we go out in all weathers. Walking boots/wellies are also needed for the sessions. Long hair should be tied back.

All risk assessments and procedures have been completed and are available on request.