Why is outdoor learning important in schools?

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a unique, inspirational learning process which takes place in a natural setting and is based on each individual child. Through regular sessions, and by focusing on learner inspired and hands-on experiences, it offers opportunities for holistic growth and the development of self-confidence and self-esteem. It supports play, exploration and risk-taking in a controlled environment to enable the child to use these skills in future unknown environments.

Forest School’s roots can be dated back many centuries within the UK, however it is strongly based upon the open-air culture seen as a way of life in Scandinavia. In 1993, the first Forest School was established in the UK and it has grown from strength to strength ever since.

At Croydon High School, our overall aim is to provide academic challenge, extensive enrichment and a unique education for remarkable girls and our Forest School programme helps deliver that by:

• Enabling participants attending Forest School sessions to have regular opportunities to develop an inquisitive and positive relationship with the natural world.
• Providing inspirational, stimulating, challenging, hands-on experiences to develop self-esteem, confidence, compassion, and responsibility.
• Using the woodland setting, various real tools and natural resources to bring learning to life, creating an understanding of the balance of nature and the finite resources around us.
• Identifying individual learning styles within the Forest School setting to enable the participants to learn most effectively and in a holistic manner, considering our mantra of ‘Every Girl, Every Day’.
• Planning for the individuality of all participants in the early session stages, then letting the participants lead the sessions through their own interests whilst also encompassing the aims from the National Curriculum.
• Providing wide ranging opportunities for girls to work individually and with others.
• Encouraging informed, self-calculated risks and choices to ensure the participant’s safety, developing sympathy and empathy to the group around them.

What does this look like in practice?

At Croydon High School, girls across the Juniors have access to our onsite Forest School as either a weekly lesson, through joining Nature Club, or as part of our Perpetuam programme. The experience of the girls will differ depending on their age.

In the Early Years and in Nature Club, the emphasis is on observation, exploration and investigation. It provides the basis for the girls to create a meaningful connection with the world and to understand their place within it. Activities include minibeast hunts, building bug hotels, creating patterns and art, as well as gardening amongst others. The girls have the chance to explore all the seasons and experience the challenges and potential of the natural world around them.

Throughout the rest of the Junior School the girls participate in a wide range of activities such as den-building, woodcraft, cooking, and fire lighting. The activities that take place are chosen by the girls and are learner inspired so differ depending on the interests of the individual and the group. The approach to risk during activities that take place in Forest School enables learners to solve real-world problems, build on their self-belief and develop resilience. By overcoming adversity, the girls become more resilient, creative and independent. The idea of sustainability is also embedded throughout all sessions.

Since leading the Forest School curriculum at Croydon High School it has been a pleasure to see the girls being involved in a vast array of activities. It’s wonderful to see them interacting outdoors in a completely different environment to the classroom and working together. There is no pressure at Forest School and the girls can challenge themselves independently which has led to some very exciting outcomes. It is also fantastic to hear the girls getting so excited about their sessions throughout the week and looking forward to their turn in Forest School.

Mrs Emily Wragg
Reception Class Teacher
Science Coordinator and Forest School Leader