Forest School
The best education starts in the classroom but it doesn’t end there
On 4 November 2011, Rydal Penrhos Preparatory School officially launched its Forest School project.
Led by headteacher, Mr Roger McDuff, the Forest School makes use of our unique woodland setting while introducing an innovative approach to outdoor learning.
The philosophy
The philosophy of Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. The Forest School programme originated in Scandinavia and is underpinned by thorough research into the learning behaviour of children at an early age and how best to develop this.
Forest Schools aim to develop:
- Self Awareness
- Self Regulation
- Intrinsic motivation
- Empathy
- Good social communication skills
- Independence
- A positive mental attitude, self-esteem and confidence
Rydal Penrhos Forest School will focus on providing a safe, outdoor environment where children and young people are freely allowed to explore, discover, take suitable risks and learn in a secure area of woodland, which acts as an outdoor classroom.
What will your child learn?
The first task with Forest School is to prepare thoroughly and so, dressed appropriately (they venture out come rain or shine, snow or wind), the children take a short walk perhaps with a challenge or observation along the way or a new map to follow. They then arrive in the Forest School, where there are areas for sitting, talking, balancing, learning and play.
The second area of development is to introduce skills, knowledge and ideas using resources and activities such as building dens, weaving hurdles, managing the woodland, understanding the seasons, art and drama, counting and measuring wildlife.
Lastly, once equipped with these skills and knowledge the children are ready to embark on their own projects.
Forest School is a wonderful way for the children to develop respect and self esteem and learn about taking responsibility.Kelly Ellson, Head of Pre-Prep
The children are always encouraged to have some time for free play within a session and the session always ends with circle time for reflection and sharing.
The safety and well being of the children is always of the utmost importance and because this is a very different type of play to that seen in classrooms or playgrounds, the pupils naturally show more respect towards each other, the atmosphere is calm, and smiles abound.
Forest leaders have a wide knowledge and understanding of extra-curricular activities such as team building, woodland crafts, conservation, bush craft skills and sensory activities.
The school’s forest leader Kelly Elson, who is also Head of the Pre-prep department says: “Forest School is a wonderful way for the children to develop respect and self esteem and learn about taking responsibility. They also learn about making assessments and taking risks, which are lifelong skills which are missing from the everyday curriculum and which definitely help to raise educational attainment.”