The 6 Forest School Principles
What is Forest School?
“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.”
David Polis, Environmentalist and Outdoor Educator
Forest School is an approach to learning and the setting is not the usual one. The setting is an outdoor area defined as the Forest School space, ideally in the woodland. Forest School is about learning in the outdoors, rather than learning about the outdoors. Although, it can encompass both! Forest School experiences are about play and are child-led as far as possible. Children attend in all weathers, wearing appropriate clothing.
The 6 Forest School Principles
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.
Forest School takes place in a natural or woodland environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
What we love about Forest School is that it is for all. It allows any child to be and offers opportunities for holistic growth.
What do you love about Forest School?