Forest School.
Forest School is the name of a specific ethos – a way of working with people in an outdoor natural space for an extended period of time, often a full year. Qualified practitioners carefully facilitate programmes which are uniquely tailored to the needs of the individuals within the group and have the fundamental aim of building participants’ self esteem, confidence, independence and creativity. The name does not refer to an actual place; it refers to the philosophy. Forest School programmes work in a variety of situations and locations (not just schools). Therefore, it is not possible for schools to become ‘a Forest School’, however schools can provide Forest School programmes for their pupils.
Play in Forest School.
Often undervalued and considered purposeless in our society, Play is bringing together conversations and researches, revealing its invaluable role in the human experience and its profound impact on our species and our lives.
For young children, play is learning, and learning happens best through play.
Play helps developing creativity and imagination, skills and competences.
Play helps developing language and reasoning skills, encourages self directed, independent thinking and problem solving.
Play improves the ability to focus and self-regulate. It supports children understanding consequences and risks.
The six rules for quality Forest School.
One.
Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits.
The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
Two.
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Three.
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
Four.
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Five.
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Six.
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Supporting free education
Since their inception, schools have transmitted society’s values and culture, been repositories of shared wisdom and knowledge and powerful agents of change. Regardless of the approach, schools are to serve their communities and the wider society and they must be relevant to today’s learner. Programs such as Forest Schools are part of a modern pedagogy, featuring a child-centred approach as well as a nature connection purpose.
The Biophilia Project advocates for more Forest School and nature connection sessions to become part of the school experience up to secondary school.