Forest School
A classroom without walls that takes place in a woodland close to your school. Forest School is a series of regular visits taking place over a six week period where, working individually and in small groups, each child has the opportunity to discover, understand and appreciate the wonders of nature on their own doorstep.
Our Forest School also offers an inspirational way for children to learn about and practice traditional rural crafts. Even the shyest child becomes animated when they make cord from nettles, whittle wood and, most excitingly, learn how to light a fire using traditional techniques. We use games to encourage the children to identify trees and plants, and to learn the value of stillness when observing wildlife. Children complete their ‘Discover Award’, the first stage of the John Muir Trust Award Scheme. Most importantly, an external evaluation of our work has shown that children who take part in our Forest School gain a sense of ownership and pride in their local native woodland heritage.
An example of a typical course structure:
Week 1: Orientation and finding a special place
Week 2: How to spot wildlife in the woods
Week 3: Mini-beasts and clay modelling
Week 4: Introduction to biodiversity, understanding plants and tree identification
Week 5: Conservation action to protect and enhance habitats
Week 6: Games, bread-making and fire celebration
The knowledge and skills taught at Forest School support the aims of the Curriculum for Excellence and the 3-18 Scottish Science Curriculum. Forest school is also a proven way to build self-esteem, social skills and confidence within an environment that the children are not normally familiar with.
Part of the Forest School ethos is that it happens in different types of weather, which can offer a sometimes challenging, but always invigorating way to be outdoors! Children have been known to make, not snow men, but snow spiders, beetles and snails on one of Wild things! Forest Schools in February!
“It was great to be visiting a local wood this year. It was good to be able to walk there. I also thought the addition of the imaginative work was very good for this age of children – I got some super writing as a follow-up”
Sheena Tulloch – teacher from Dyke Primary for Forest School Spring 08
Sheena Tulloch – teacher from Dyke Primary for Forest School Spring 08
Booking Information:
What is included ?
- Experienced and friendly Wild things! Leaders
- 6 x weekly half-day sessions at a local woodland (location agreed with school in advance)
- Equipment, tools and quality outdoor clothing (when required)
Group Size: 10-15 children plus 1 teacher per group
(we often take two groups at the same time to accommodate a whole class).
Cost: As a result of our fundraising activity, and the generosity of grant-giving bodies and charitable trusts, we are able to cover much of the cost of Forest School and offer the programme at heavily subsidised rates. Please contact us for further details.
Click here for a booking form
Our Forest School programme is generously sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forres Community Woodland Trust and other organisations and charitable trusts.
