Forest School
Here at Hoo St Werburgh we are lucky enough to have our own onsite Forest school area which is used throughout the year by all year groups.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is an outdoor, nature-based learning ethos that focuses on the holistic development of the child and development of core skills and plays central part in the broad and balanced curriculum we offer at Hoo.
The sessions are child-centred and observation, rather than direction is key. Children lead their own learning through play and enquiry. They are fully immersed in the outdoor environment during the sessions in all seasons and weather. Each session is led by our Qualified Forest School Teacher who plans sessions based on the children’s interests and learning that is taking place in the classroom.
What are the key aims of our Forest School?
- To give children regular opportunities to explore the natural environment in a safe manner throughout all seasons.
- To encourage the children to appreciate, respect and care for the natural world.
- To give children the opportunity to learn and investigate at their own pace.
- To give children opportunity to benefit from the positive physical and mental wellbeing that regular interaction with the outdoors can provide.
- To enhance the schools’ values of courage, confidence, respect & belonging.
- To offer real life opportunities for children to develop through our character curriculum
- To enhance children’s thinking, problem solving, decision making and oracy skills.
- To appreciate the need for identifying risks and managing their own personal safety.
- To support all areas of learning within the school curriculum (HPS) & EYFS framework.
- To have fun and enjoy learning.