Forest School

History of Forest Schools

‘Forest schools’ originates from Scandinavia as an approach to education. Following the positive impact identified on self-esteem, confidence and the ability to work in groups, the concept has been developed worldwide as a tool for working with people of all ages and abilities.

What are ‘Forest Schools?’

Our philosophy of ‘forest schools’ is to engage participants through positive experiences and achievable tasks to develop personal, social and emotional development.

‘Forest schools’ activities have proved to be particularly effective at working with young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Learning outcomes from these activities include:

• Developing communication skills
• Developing trust and empathy
• Working with others positively
• Increased self- confidence and self esteem
• Fostering a sense of achievement and success.

Our Forest School is on-site provision for all students. In forest school, students develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment. Students take part in activities such as:

• Making a bench
• Making a spoon
• Fire lighting
• Hitches and lashings
• Making a bivouac

During forest schools, students work on their thrive targets and towards their passport to success skills and attributes. Students are supported to address their underlying emotional, social and behavioural issues with the eventual aim of returning all students to mainstream lessons full-time.