3. What is a Forest School? A way of delivering the curriculum in a stimulating outdoor setting regularly throughout the year. Involves children and young people working with a qualified Forest School Leader on frequent and regular basis in a woodland setting. Children follow their usual curriculum, but in an outdoor context,
4. Why are we doing it? To respond to children’s learning needs – practical, child led activities To nurture self esteem. To promote healthy lifestyles (outdoor pursuits) To improves confidence, communication and social skills (independence) To develops an appreciation and respect for the natural environment. To make school fun, exciting and memorable To raise standards of attainment
5. How are we doing it now? Mrs Cartlidge has completed Level 1 Forest School Training through SCC. Class 1 are spending one session a week at Cantlop Wood and an additional 4 ‘in-school’ sessions of Forest Schools. (Maths & Science focus) Use of Clunbury School to provide alternative settings Planning the future development of Hope School as a ‘Forest School’
6. A typical session Setting: Cantlop Woods Aims: Use memory to locate different places in the wood and express preference. Investigate creatures which inhabit the canopy layer. Work as part of a team. Initiate play Whole group (25min) Mapping sticks activity – to locate favourite places Snack Time (20min) Water and Fruit in summer. Hot Chocolate in Winter! involves discussion of previous activity and link to classroom (maths, geography etc) Whole Group activity (15min) Caterpillar Game – team building Individual/child initiated groups (15 min) Free time for children to explore or play (making caterpillars maybe) Share a story (10 min) Selected by FSL/setting (Gruffalo, Hungry Caterpillar, Percy the Park Keeper)
7. Keeping children safe Forest School area is clearly demarcated and is in private woodland Risk assessments in place for all activities Children aware of systems and are show correct ways of doing things (sitting in the fire triangle area, moving safely, High ratio of adults:children (1:4) Trained First Aider present
8. What are we planning to do in the future January/February 2007 Area of school grounds developed for Forest Schools May 2007 Mrs Cartlidge & Mr Rowe to complete Level 3 Forest School training September 2007 Extension of programme to include Class 2 Now/February 2007 Class 1 complete Forest School programme led by Dan Shepherd (SCC Forest School Leader) at Cantlop Woods, Hope School, Clunbury School Working party of staff, governors and interested parents established to develop Forest School Area at Hope School.
9. How can parents get involved Join the working party to help us develop this Have you any materials we could use in the meantime? (logs, sticks, large stones, sacks of leaves, large wicker baskets etc) Sign up to help out at a session Have you any spare clothes we could use to develop a ‘bank’? (wellies, waterproofs, gloves, etc)
10. Questions Useful websites Shropshire CC Forest School website – linked from http://hopeblog.ethink.org.uk (Click on ‘Forest School’ category) http://forestschools.com – The officlal Forest School site If you have any questions see Mrs Cartlidge, Mr Rowe or post a question on the blog
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