The Haven Church of England Methodist Primary School

The Haven Church of England Methodist Primary School

Let your Light Shine

Forest School

“I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.”

John 10:10

Forest School at The Haven provides all pupils the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences. Forest School provides pupils with the opportunity to explore their local environment throughout the different seasons and to develop an understanding of how they can take responsibility for preserving the natural world that God made and that they live in.

Every child is encouraged and inspired to develop their personal, social and emotional skills through participation in tasks and activities which are motivating and achievable. These can be set-up as child led activities, group work or 1:1 co-adventurer tasks all of which include hands on experiences and outcomes discovered by the child.

 

Through a set of regular Forest School sessions, we aim to build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, an ability to recognise and manage emotions, develop resilience and skills of empathy. It is hoped that these skills will be transferred to the classroom and support children in all areas of their learning and emotional development.

Forest School sessions provide pupils with the following opportunities:

  • Explore and learn about wildlife local to our environment
  • Explore and learn about woodland management
  • Use tools to make projects
  • Build dens and shelters
  • Learn about fire safety and light fires
  • Cook on an open fire
  • Play in the mud and water

Forest School also provides the opportunities for pupils to develop their own well-being by asking questions, taking risks, making observations, develop communication skills and further their sense of personal peace.