Forest School

Pedagogy of Forest School

The activities in our Forest School support the holistic development of a child, including a child’s spiritual, physical, intellectual, communication, emotional and social development.  Children always get time to explore the Forest School as they wish after a teacher-directed activity, which encourages independent risk-taking, where children learn how to manage their own risks.  The learning and activities that take place in the Forest School are fostering our children to be resilient, confident, independent and creative learners, who love, care for and respect nature.  Science, Geography, English, Maths, Art, DT and topic lessons all take place in the Forest School, including many cross-curricular lessons.

Planning ​and Example Lessons

Our lesson plans ensure that a range of subjects, skills and knowledge are taught across the year, including Science, Geography, English, Maths, Art and DT.  Examples of some of the lessons taught in Forest School are as follows:

  • Maths – measuring trees and sorting natural materials
  • English – writing poems
  • Geography – drawing maps
  • Science – identifying flora and fauna, building dens and animal homes, season hunts
  • Art – sketching trees, mud painting, making pictures using natural resources
  • DT – creating objects using natural materials and using tools, such as saws

50 Things

Forest School enriches the curriculum and children have the opportunity to embark on experiences from the ’50 Things Before I Leave Sutton-at-Hone Primary School’ list. Examples of these experiences are: building a den or animal shelter; planting, growing and eating a vegetable; catching and releasing a spider.

How can you help at home?

You can support your child by helping them to explore their local area, green spaces and a variety of woodlands, such as Shorne Wood and Lullingstone Park. You can teach your child how to look after and respect nature, and our environment. Please encourage your child to be inquisitive and teach them new skills in a natural environment. There are lots of ideas and activities on the following website: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/activities/search/?activityType=100016068