Forest School
At Alexander McLeod Primary School we believe in providing the children with a broad and varied curriculum with opportunities to nurture their interests and provide the children with learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. We appreciate the importance of outdoor learning and the many benefits that come with it and have therefore introduced Forest school into our curriculum across all year groups.
Forest School offers our pupils the opportunity to take supported risks and experience the awe and wonder of the world around us. It enables children to explore, discover and learn about nature whilst developing their holistic skills such as independence, confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Forest School scaffolds the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development within a child-led approach. The sessions are a continuation of learning experiences across the year groups that consolidates and embed key skills which can be transferred back into the classroom setting.
During their afternoon session in Forest School, children will often learn woodland crafts and take part in activities such as using tools or cooking around an open fire! They may take risks, invent games ,climb trees, make dens and look at insects. Children have the opportunity to explore the environment and different natural resources. The roe of the leader is to observe the children and set a structure for the session however they will often encourage the children to lead their own learning based on their interests.
We are fortunate to have our own Forest School area on site where the Key Stage one children (Year 1,year 2 and including Reception) will take part in Forest school. Key Stage two children (years 3,4,5 and 6) visit Bostall Woods in a designated area for their sessions.
Each year group will take part in our Forest school programme for half a term each year– with at least 6 weekly sessions.
Children will need Wellington boots or old shoes for the sessions.
Meet the Lead
Hello My name is Mrs. Jackman and, as well as being a teacher for over 25 years, I am also a Forest School Leader. I actually set up the Forest school at Alex in 2008, and after working in a couple of different schools-I am back! Forest School is one of the most exciting, rewarding and inspiring areas of the curriculum and I love teaching it.
It is fantastic that all the children at Alex are given the opportunity to take part in Forest School-this does not happen at many schools! I am looking forward to working with all the children in the great outdoors.
