Forest School
Forest School at St James'
At St James’ we believe that all children should be developed as a whole child, in a holistic and supportive manner. The staff involved in providing Forest School are passionate about the positive impacts that time in a woodland environment, with uninterrupted play can have on the social, emotional and holistic development of a child. We follow the six principles of Forest School, established by The Forest School association:
1. Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
2. Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
From September, Mr Purcell will be running a full Forest School programme for all children across the school. During these sessions, children will experience a holistic approach to education in order to boost resilience, confidence and perseverance. This will be done through many skills, including: shelter building, fire safety, outdoor cooking, knots, tool skills and natural crafts.
Previous Forest Schools experience 2023 - 2024
Click the links below to see our wonderful Year 1 and 2 children taking part in Forest School.
Year 2
Year 1