What is Forest Schools?
The Forest School Ethos at Drake
Forest Schools is a unique educational experience and process that offers children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment. Children engage in motivating and achievable tasks and activities throughout the year and in almost all weathers.
Children work with tools, they play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, grow in confidence, self-esteem and motivation whilst developing an understanding of the natural world. The Forest School concept originates in Denmark, originally aimed at preschool children, where it was found that children who had attended Forest Schools then arrived at school with strong social and communication skills, having the ability to work in groups effectively, generally had high self-esteem and a confidence in their own abilities. These foundations helped them to raise their academic achievements. At Drake Primary, we currently provide Forest Schools for Reception, Key stage one and Key stage two children (R to year 6) to compliment and extend the curriculum.
Principles of our Forest Schools
Our Forest Schools is a specialised learning approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor and woodland education. Thousands of trained practitioners share the principles across Norfolk, the UK and beyond. Forest Schools at Drake is
Children who take part in Forest Schools are seen as
Forest Schools is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. At Drake we
QUOTES FROM PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS
“Forest school has been a great experience for my daughter, since doing forest school regularly she has become more confident getting dirty and holding insects, she willingly picks them up now. “ Year 2 parent.
“Being a volunteer at Forest School I have seen first hand how wonderful it really is! Seeing the children have the freedom in an outside setting to learn through play. Them being able to socialise with others outside while building and developing their confidence. You can see they appreciate their surroundings and the nature life, whilst discovering and learning new things. Watching the childrens faces when they discover and learn exciting new things is very heartwarming“ Volunteer.
“I love that my child gets to attend forest school, being able to have this to experience within school I believe is very beneficial. Being outside in the fresh air surrounded by the outdoors learning new things. Being able to make their own choices in the setting that they wouldn't as such in a teacher lead classroom environment. Who doesn't like jumping in muddy puddles or making mud pie cakes! Coming home with mud on their faces and wellies you can tell it's been a great day! Even when they bring home their forest school creation too! “ Year 1 parent.
“ I've really enjoyed volunteering with forest school this term. Both my children have attended in their years at Drake, and have talked about it with great enthusiasm. As a parent volunteer, it's been wonderful to get involved. Watching the children's confidence grow and enabling them to experiment and learn about the environment around them.“ Year 4 parent and volunteer.
“I have really enjoyed watching the children exploring the forest school setting. Seeing them use their imagination to create games and activities using natural resources. They have all gained confidence and independence while exploring the great outdoors.“ Volunteer.