Our school is a Forest School!
This means that we have spaces around the school site where children can learn outdoors. We have a special, secured area which has been landscaped and planted. We also have two qualified Forest School Leaders – Mrs Newitt and Mrs McFeely who provide outdoor learning opportunities for all children as they progress through the school.
This means that we have spaces around the school site where children can learn outdoors. We have a special, secured area which has been landscaped and planted. We also have two qualified Forest School Leaders – Mrs Newitt and Mrs McFeely who provide outdoor learning opportunities for all children as they progress through the school.
Forest School sessions will use the outdoor areas for learning through all seasons and all weathers.
Reception go to Forest School every week with Mrs Newitt. Activities support their physical development - both gross and fine motor skills, their Personal, Social and Emotional Development as well as their Understanding of the World. Each week the children get to be outside (in all weathers) supporting and encouraging one another, trying new skills and overcoming fears.
Years 1- 6 visit Forest School every half term with Mrs McFeely. Activities develop skills they have developed in school, build on knowledge or show them new learning as well as opening up their mind to the awe and wonder of our world.
Children at Forest School will:
Be taught to care, look after and respect the outdoor environment.
Be given opportunities to develop their confidence and self esteem and to challenge their own abilities.
Be given the opportunity to create and design their own curriculum and learning path, as well as building on the indoor curriculum and set learning paths.
Be praised for efforts and outcomes – regardless of ability, encouraging autonomy.
Be taught to care, look after and respect the outdoor environment.
Be given opportunities to develop their confidence and self esteem and to challenge their own abilities.
Be given the opportunity to create and design their own curriculum and learning path, as well as building on the indoor curriculum and set learning paths.
Be praised for efforts and outcomes – regardless of ability, encouraging autonomy.
Learn about the importance of following and adhering to different rules and boundaries.
Work with, use and manipulate materials found in the natural environment.
Be taught to use tools in a safe and effective way.
Take ownership of the site, caring for, and learning to love, all aspects of the natural world.
Be provided with enjoyable and rewarding challenges.
Be encouraged to collaborate and persevere with tasks.
Work with, use and manipulate materials found in the natural environment.
Be taught to use tools in a safe and effective way.
Take ownership of the site, caring for, and learning to love, all aspects of the natural world.
Be provided with enjoyable and rewarding challenges.
Be encouraged to collaborate and persevere with tasks.
Our Forest School became a dedicated site in 2010. Following grants from the Forestry Commission, we were able to erect a simple wire fence. During building work, the builders created a mound with excess soil and this gave us some structure and interest to the site. Over the years, children have planted trees annually, usually ones we have been able to claim from the Woodland Trust. These have really matured in recent years and our site now is a spectacular addition to our learning space. Looking back at old photos and comparing to now allows the children to see how they have developed it. We hope children who come through Alveston get to look back on their time here, and our Forest School site, and know that they have had a hand in this legacy for generations to come.
