Curriculum intent

Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners

 

Our intent is for our St Christopher’s Forest School curriculum to inspire children to develop a life-long love of our environment and learning in nature; to build the confidence to try new skills and cultivate ambition to help the environment for themselves and future generations. Forest School inspires children to become active learners and problem solvers as well as teaching life skills and giving children the opportunity to take supported risks, explore and learn.

 

Implementation

Children during their Forest School sessions are able to take part in a range of different activities which are child led in order to develop a creative learning environment within which, with careful planning and appropriate support the children are able to take risks, solve problems themselves as well as supporting other members within the group to create good team working skills.

 

Forest School sessions occur every week with 6 groups taking it in turn for a term and alternating between different terms. Each group of up to 30 children will learn within the outdoor forest school site for a period of 18 weeks with qualified Forest School leader Mrs Bowler, class teacher and teaching assistant to enable high staff to child ratios at all times.

 

Forest School helps children to develop an understanding of the natural world around them through regular hands-on experiences and by building on this relationship with the natural world to start to understand how they can support nature. It gives the children opportunities to develop and build better self-esteem and resilience through trying and persevering in new activities which will promote more confident, independent and creative learners. Children are also encouraged to think about their safety during the session e.g. thinking about a safety zone whilst waiting for the rope swing and to learn about risk assessments as well as taking risks trying new activities such as lighting a fire by striking a flint.

 

Tracking attainment and progress

The sessions are planned and assessed through observations of the children to take into consideration their different learning styles, ensuring that they are supported with their behaviour and work within a team. Children having an input during the snack time to talk about what they have enjoyed and what activities they would like to do on the next session.

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Year One Forest School – Sep 21