Forest School
At Hollingwood we are fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful grounds. This allows us to run forest school on site.
Forest School is a child-centred, outdoor learning approach that supports holistic development through regular, hands-on experiences in nature. Led by our fully trained Forest School practitioner, children build confidence, resilience and a love of learning through play, exploration and supported risk-taking.
Benefits of Forest Schools
- Connection With Nature
- Physical Development
- Emotional Wellbeing
- Social Skills
- Risk Management
- Creativity and Imagination
- Environmental Awareness and Appreciation
- Academic Learning
- Health Benefits
- Long-Term Benefits
Long-Term Benefits: Studies have shown that Forest School experiences can have a positive impact on children. These experiences develop a love for the great outdoors which extends into adulthood and a lifelong appreciation for nature, a sense of environmental consciousness, and improved mental health outcomes.
The Six Principles of Forest School
- Long Term Process
- Takes Place in a Natural Environment
- Adopts a Holistic Approach to Development
- Supportive Risk Taking
- Run by Qualified People
- Learner Focused
Activities
In Forest School, children have the opportunity to engage with hands-on learning. Across the year, children in all classes will have sessions with Mr Coe , our Forest School Practitioner.
Examples of the activities they will cover are:
- Child led learning
- Sensory walks
- Foraging
- Shelter building
- Mini beast hunts
- Tree climbing
- Campfire cooking
- Woodwork
- Tool use
- Nature art
- Games like Hide and Seek, Tig
- Fire building and lighting
- Puddle and mud jumping