Intent

At Petham, outdoor learning is an integral part of our curriculum. We take great pride in our Forest School sessions. These sessions are accessible to all children during their time at the school and are delivered by a qualified Forest School leader. 

Forest School is a fantastic way to utilise the great outdoors to facilitate children’s learning. This method of schooling has significantly positive benefits for both adults and children. Not only does Forest School help to enhance and extend the learning that happens in the classroom it also teaches problem solving skills, cooperation, risk management and so many more personal skills, alongside developing children’s physical skills and health. Our children are taught to be resilient, tolerant and respectful which coincides with our ethos at Petham Primary School. Child-initiated learning is fundamental in our sessions; Forest School puts the child in control of their own learning, no matter their age.

Implementation

Our EYFS class have access to weekly Forest School lessons throughout the school year. Years 1-6 have weekly Forest School sessions for at least one term per academic year, enabling the children to develop on the skills they learnt previously. These sessions are delivered by our qualified Forest School lead, Miss Grace. 

During their time with us the children will have the chance learn about sustainability to help maintain our site, develop their imagination, physical, social and emotional wellbeing and build independence, resilience and risk management skills.

Our children are encouraged to freely investigate, explore and engage with learning that is meaningful to them. They will learn how to manage risks themselves and set themselves challenges to further their own learning. The adults who attend Forest School have the vital role of observing the children’s fantastic independent learning. We will guide our children only when asked, look out for dangers and most importantly, help them celebrate their successes.

Throughout their time at Petham Primary School our children will build a relationship with nature and the creatures that call it home. We will attend Forest School sessions all year round to allow children to observe the miracle of nature in various seasons. 

In our Forest School all children have the chance to succeed, be children, destress and lose themselves in nature. We create a positive and calm atmosphere where the children learn to believe in their own ideas and capabilities; knowing a trusted adult is there for support when needed.

During our sessions we introduce and build-upon the skills of knot tying, safe tool usage, shelter building, fire building and cooking over a fire. 

Please find our skills progression document at the bottom of this page for more information about the skills we cover. 

Impact