Forest Schools

Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

The Colleton is uniquely set up for amazing Forest School activities. Forest School at The Colleton is child centred with activities led by the children’s interests. Learning outside our children develop independence, perseverance and a love of the outdoors and nature. Using tools, the children whittle, make fires and create dens with team work and respect at the core of their activities. Forest School sessions encourage risk taking and getting dirty, muddy puddles are a particular favourite! Our children see their Forest School sessions as a time to learn new skills, a time to learn respect for their environment and a time to be calm and enjoy the outdoors at their own pace.

Our creative and flexible curriculum enables the children to use their experiences outside when back in school. Writing is enhanced with new vocabulary, learnt whilst climbing and splashing, and newly had experiences are written about in stories. We use natural ‘treasures’ found in our woods in art sessions and bring history to life with swords whittled from sticks for the Battle of Bosworth. Geography is taught using a compass in our huge field and woods. Being outside for a sustained length of time enables the children to be quiet and their emotional literacy has improved as they take part in sessions. We use the outdoors to enhance our cooking curriculum, cooking over an open fire as well as using our pizza oven, for lots more than pizza.