Intent, Implement, Impact
Guardians of the Forest
Where we grow, alongside nature.
Intent
The Forest School experience we offer, brings our broad and balanced curriculum to life and aims to improves the ability for our pupils to work independently and co-operatively, whilst offering the opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning.
We have created a bespoke skills-based 'Forest School Curriculum' based on the FS Principles, theory and ethos, where our children are progress through the Key Stages which is linked to the topics and themes studied in the classroom setting.
Forest School pedagogy supports the holistic development of the child. Activities range from team building and those that build confidence and self-esteem, to looking at the science of the wood, its history and future.
Health and fitness plays a huge role as pupils will be active in our natural environment. The use of the woodland setting, the real tools and the natural resources will bring learning to life, whilst creating an understanding of the balance of nature and the finite resources around us; sustainability and the awareness of taking care of our planet.
Implementation
We plan for every child in the early session stages, then support the children in leading the sessions through their own interests. We encourage our pupils to take informed, self-calculated risks and choices to ensure their safety, developing sympathy and empathy to the group around them. Working as a team to solve problems, fostering communication and negotiation skills.
Pupils experience nature first-hand through play and a series of engaging and achievable tasks with links to all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, National Curriculum, Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC), SEMH and the Every Child Matters Strategy.
Reflective practice is a feature of each session to ensure learners and practitioners can understand their achievements, develop emotional intelligence and plan for the future.
Impact
Practitioner observation is an important element of Forest School pedagogy.
Using our 'Progression of Skills Map', we are able to use observations to feed into ‘scaffolding’ and tailor experiences in learning and development.
Evidence is collated using a digital diary as part of a learning journey log.
We aim for our children to be impacted through;
- Increased emotional well-being
- Social development – communicating, and negotiating with peers and adults to solve problems and share experiences
- Skills development – Developing fine and gross motor skills and coordination for real purposes.
- Gaining knowledge and understanding – Multi–sensory, real-life learning.
Communication and language skills are a focus alongside problem solving, resilience and an ability to establish boundaries for risk taking.
Our mission is expressed through core values.
We aim to equip our pupils so that they leave us as a well-rounded individual who is:
- Well-mannered and Kind
- Engaged and Enthusiastic
- Positive and Curious
- Respectful and a Team Player
These are the values and attributes of a true ‘Guardian of the Forest.’
