LEARNING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

By Mrs Norris, Year 3 Teacher & Forest School Lead

We are extremely fortunate in Prep to have a large and resourceful outdoor area for our Forest School, situated within Kingsley’s 14-acre playing fields. The site is already well developed, with mature trees to climb, build dens beneath and swing from (the possibilities are endless!), a designated space for laying and lighting fires, covered outdoor seating (perfect for lunchtimes and taking shelter in the wet weather), areas of wild meadow, and lots of equipment to explore and inspire. We are in the process of developing the site further to make it an even better place for learning, and one which can be enjoyed by future generations of nature lovers. My own love of nature stems from my first job post art school, working with the wonderful floral and nature-inspired fabrics at Liberty of London. I eventually trained as a teacher, working in primary schools for many years and then as a Deputy Head and Acting Head, but always felt frustrated by how prescriptive and results-driven the state sector was. I believe passionately that pupils should be educated in a more holistic way, focusing on the whole child - including their moral, emotional, physical and spiritual development - as well as their academic achievements. I also feel that pupils should spend more time outdoors, and that this shouldn’t be limited to sporting pursuits. Engaging in an activity outdoors - or simply being outdoors, breathing in the air and taking the time to notice what is around us - can work wonders for our psychological and spiritual wellbeing; there are many other benefits too (keep reading!). It was these experiences and beliefs that led me to complete my Level 3 Forest School Leader training and apply for the position of Forest School Lead and Year 3 Teacher at Kingsley. Most primary settings have some level of Forest School provision, but many operate on a rotating basis, with pupils only attending once a fortnight or every other half-term. In other schools, outdoor learning takes place for a relatively short period of time - the equivalent of one or two lessons a week. At Kingsley, pupils in Early Years and Reception attend Forest School every Friday, from 10.30am until just before the end of the school day. Those in Years 1 to 4 continue to benefit from weekly sessions, spending a whole afternoon each week at Forest School. These longer and regular sessions give pupils the opportunity to get to know their surroundings, developing their

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confidence and self-esteem. They allow for ‘scaffolded experiences’ which are fundamental to internalising and building on the skills and knowledge acquired. They also allow for plenty of fresh air and exercise (come rain or shine!). Forest School sessions are relaxed and child-led, but also safe (more on this below) and highly productive. All sessions start with a skills lesson. Pupils are given access to resources, but also the space and freedom to think creatively, often choosing to repeat ideas but then adapting and extending them from one week to the next. They are encouraged to work collaboratively and, through problem solving and exploring together, they develop, evaluate and often change their decisions. On one particularly blustery day, a group of children moved their den to a different spot having reached the conclusion that the wind was causing it to collapse. They worked together to carefully deconstruct and reconstruct the den in a more sheltered area where it was far more successful. What a great decision! Through supporting one another and teamwork, pupils begin to recognise that learning together promotes trust and builds relationships (which greatly benefits them in the classroom too). Adults are key in enabling children to learn through many different channels, but giving them the freedom to ‘play’ and follow their own path of learning is vital in maintaining their motivation and enthusiasm. As Forest School Lead I - along with the other supporting adults - use my own knowledge and understanding to guide pupils where necessary, but I also know when to step back and allow them to explore and learn under their own steam. Regular opportunities to work with children from other year groups add another dimension to learning. Pupils of different ages tend to look at the world differently, offering alternative viewpoints that others may not have considered. And it works both ways! Not only do younger pupils benefit from the knowledge and experience of their elders, but there have been plenty of examples of older pupils looking for complex solutions to problems when a much simpler one is staring them in the face - only to be pointed out by one of our youngest children in EYFS! Having opportunities such as these to share their knowledge and understanding of the world with others is truly empowering.

Pupils benefit from a broad range of Forest School experiences and skills sessions which are adapted and differentiated according to age and ability. Examples include: learning to tie knots (such as timber and clove hitches, and square lashes); using tools to saw and whittle; laying and lighting fires (and, of course, toasting marshmallows!); building shelters and obstacle courses; making bird seed balls and feeders; and discovering nature through treasure hunts and nature weaving. Crucially, pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, including how to assess which trees are suitable to use for zip lines and swings, and tie knots that are strong enough to hold their weight. They also learn about fire safety. Year 5 and 6 children enjoy special experience days linked to their topics, which offer fresh perspectives and help to bring them to life. Our Forest School has also provided the ideal setting for various community initiatives. Before the pandemic, residents from a local care home visited to take part in intergenerational outdoor activities and, in April, pupils were joined by parents, siblings and representatives from the Leamington Rotary Club to plant our ‘Jubilee Grove’ to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (more on the next page). I recently asked some of our pupils to describe Forest School; ‘fun’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘adventurous’ were some of the words they used. One pupil said she felt ‘free’ and her classmates nodded in agreement. Over the course of the year, it has been wonderful to see children of all ages grow in independence, creativity and stamina, overcoming challenges and supporting their peers. Younger pupils have developed their fine and gross motor skills, agility, balance and coordination (and had so much fun in the process). Older pupils have become less self-conscious and more willing to step outside of their comfort zones, and shown true entrepreneurial spirit. Many of the children have developed a genuine love of nature, acquiring an impressive knowledge of different trees, plants, flowers and insects. This appreciation of and connection to the natural world encourages reflection and positive thinking, and helps pupils to find purpose and meaning in life. And whilst they won’t all go on to become David Attenboroughs of the future, they will hopefully value nature in their adult lives, and continue to immerse themselves in it and make positive choices to protect it.