Forest School Intent
At Forest School the learners are all seen as equal, unique and valuable, which here at Collingbourne Primary School is central to our ethos too.
Forest School promotes child-initiated learning at its best. It creates a world where children are believed to be competent to choose and drive their own learning and development at a pace which is appropriate and meaningful to them. They are freely able to explore and discover whilst learning how to manage appropriate risk and challenge which is vital in their decision-making. The adults are there to support the children, guide if asked, look out for dangers and most importantly celebrate the learning taking place.
It creates a positive atmosphere of support where the children learn to become independent in their physical skills and mental thought processes. They learn to trust their own ideas, believe in their capabilities and recognise their own needs. They understand that support comes from trusted adults and friends alike as they are nurtured to develop positive relationships with themselves and other people. Everyone is equal. It is a safe place where they can be themselves or lose themselves and leave day to day stresses behind.
Central to all of this is the environment. Children experience the seasons, the wonders of nature, the highs, the lows, life and death. This enables them to build a strong, positive relationship with their natural world helping them to make sense of the wider world.
Forest School at Collingbourne
Welcome to Forest School at Collingbourne!
We are very pleased to offer this exciting activity to all of our pupils from Year 1 to 6. Children will typically enjoy 3 blocks of 6 weekly sessions across the school year.
Additional sessions will be offered to our more vulnerable children as part of our wellbeing and mindfulness focus.
What to expect
At Collingbourne we offer a broad and balanced curriculum to develop the whole child. Forest School will offer the same broad range of experiences designed to develop the whole child; physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and morally.
We aim to challenge and support the children to become independent resilient learners who enjoy trying out their ideas, working together with their peers to solve problems and conquer challenges.
Some of the challenges might include:
| Shelter building | Using tools |
| Fire lighting | Forest art |
| Using a Ghillie Kettle | Planting and harvesting |
| Carving and whittling | Sculpture with natural materials |
| Looking after wildlife | Building bird boxes |
| Group games | Drama |
| Looking closely at wildlife | Cooking on an open fire |
| Pond dipping | Learning knots |
| Physical challenges | Building bug homes |
| Rope and string work | Bug hunting |
| Traditional woodland craft | Team games |
| Telling and listening to stories | Free play |
All activities are risk assessed online through Wiltshire Council’s Evolve Risk Assessment and agreed by Head-teacher.
Forest School Staff and Responsibilities
Collingbourne Forest School is planned and led by Mrs Jill Stevens (Level 3 Forest School Practioner) who has many years of experience leading these types of activities.
Sessions may be supported by other Collingbourne Staff or local volunteers.
Mrs Stevens is first aid trained and holds the Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3 qualification and the Forest School First Aid Certificate which covers outdoor first aid and emergencies.