Forest School
We have a strong commitment to outdoor learning – Large, versatile grounds where a high emphasis is placed on outdoor experiences. We offer Forest School sessions to all children over the year in order to develop social and team learning skills, an ability to question and problem solve linked to a variety of curriculum areas as well as to raise engagement and interest. We are very proud of our forest school facilities we have developed this year and the learning opportunities this has offered our children.
We have been successfully integrating both Forest School and outside learning into life here at Little Stoke Primary for many years. Every year, each class from Year 1 to Year 6 goes out into our ‘Forest’ (a small coppice of trees in the corner of the school grounds) each week for either a morning or afternoon for four of the six school terms. These sessions are led by qualified and experienced Forest School leaders.
‘Forest School’ is underpinned by a child centred approach to learning out in the ever changing and stimulating natural environment. Children of all ages are given the opportunity to use tools, learn about nature, cook on fires and play creatively in our special Forest School woodland. As the children immerse themselves in their play and activities out in the Forest, they learn new things about themselves, become more proficient at taking risks, tune into the needs of others and generally become more confident learners. Over the years our children have plenty of time to develop and share their skills and experiences. Year Six leavers move on to their new schools not only with a feel good factor about being outside and being active, but with a broad set of life skills to enable them to make the most of opportunities.
Forest School is something we love to share so at the end of every term we often invite parents, carers and grandparents to join us for a Forest School session where they can see for themselves the quality of learning that their children are engaged in. These are always popular, whatever the weather!