Forest School

CURRICULUM STATEMENT

Intent

At Forest School, our intent is to provide children with regular, meaningful opportunities to learn outdoors through hands-on, child-led experiences in a natural environment. We aim to nurture confidence, resilience, independence, creativity and a lifelong connection with nature.

Forest School supports the holistic development of every child by promoting:

• Emotional wellbeing and positive mental health

• Physical development and healthy risk-taking

• Social skills, teamwork and communication

• Curiosity, problem-solving and critical thinking

• Respect for the natural world and environmental responsibility

Our Forest School curriculum complements the wider school curriculum by offering inclusive, experiential learning that supports all learners, particularly those who benefit from practical, sensory or outdoor approaches.

Implementation

Forest School is delivered through regular, planned sessions led by experienced Forest School practitioners, in partnership with Teachers and Teaching Assistants. Sessions take place in our dedicated outdoor environment and follow the core principles of Forest School, including learner-led exploration, play-based learning and supported risk-taking.

Implementation includes:

• Termly sessions that allow skills and confidence to develop over time, through the seasons

• Activities such as tool use, shelter building, fire safety and cooking, nature exploration, storytelling, and creative play

• Opportunities for children to make choices, take ownership of learning and work collaboratively

• A strong focus on safety, risk assessment and developing children’s understanding of managing risk independently

• Links to curriculum areas such as science, art, design technology, humanities, literacy, maths, PSHE and physical development, while maintaining a flexible, child-led approach

Sessions are adapted to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring inclusion and accessibility for children of all abilities.

Measuring Impact

The impact of Forest School is seen in children’s personal, social and emotional development, engagement with learning and overall wellbeing.

Impact is measured through:

• Observations of children’s confidence, independence and resilience over time

• Evidence of improved communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills

• Pupil voice - reflecting enjoyment, motivation and a positive attitude towards learning

• Practitioner assessments and reflective evaluations following sessions

• Improved engagement and behaviour in the wider school environment

• Links to progress in curriculum areas such as PSHE, physical development and communication skills

Forest School enables children to become curious, capable and confident learners, who show respect for themselves, others and the natural world.

Forest School and Catholic Social Teaching

Forest School strongly supports and embodies the Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, helping children to live out Gospel values through practical, meaningful experiences in the natural world.

• Dignity of the Human Person
  Forest School values every child as a unique individual, created in the image of God. Sessions are inclusive, child-led and respectful of each learner’s needs, strengths and voice, enabling children to develop confidence, self-worth and independence.

• Community and Participation
  Children learn to work together, share resources, listen to others and make collective decisions. Through collaborative activities such as den building, group challenges and shared reflection, Forest School fosters a strong sense of belonging, cooperation and mutual respect.

• Rights and Responsibilities
  Forest School helps children understand that with freedom comes responsibility. Children learn to care for themselves, others and their environment by following safety rules, managing risks, respecting boundaries and taking responsibility for tools, materials and shared spaces.

• The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
  Forest School provides equitable opportunities for all children to succeed, particularly those who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting. The outdoor, practical nature of Forest School allows every child to flourish, ensuring no one is excluded and that additional needs are supported with dignity and compassion.

• The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
  Children are encouraged to value effort, perseverance and teamwork. Activities such as preparing the environment, caring for equipment and completing shared tasks help children recognise the importance of contribution, responsibility and pride in their work.

• Solidarity
  Forest School nurtures empathy, kindness and support for others. Children learn to help one another, resolve conflicts peacefully and celebrate shared achievements, developing an understanding that we are part of one global family, responsible for one another.

• Care for God’s Creation
  Central to Forest School is a deep respect for the natural world. Children are taught to care for the environment, use natural resources sustainably and reflect on the beauty of God’s creation. This encourages stewardship, gratitude and a lifelong commitment to protecting our planet.

Through Forest School, children are given meaningful opportunities to live out Catholic values, developing as responsible, compassionate and active citizens who care for themselves, others and the world God has entrusted to us.