Our Forest School Ethos

Embracing the Unplanned & Learning in Nature's Classroom

At its core, Forest School is about deeply respecting children and their innate curiosity. We champion their right to play, explore the outdoors (especially woodlands), encounter managed risk, and experience the natural world in all its richness. We believe these experiences, encompassing the full spectrum of emotions that arise from social interaction, build resilience and empower children to connect with others and reach their full potential.

Forest School focuses on the how of learning, not just the what. We move beyond pre-planned activities, embracing the unplanned and unexpected discoveries that emerge in nature.

Children are encouraged to lead their own learning journey. Our Forest School Leader acts as a facilitator, sparking play, providing gentle guidance, and observing how children interact with the environment.

The woodland setting is crucial to this approach. It offers:

• A connection to time: Witnessing the changing seasons and the majesty of ancient trees.
• Sensory richness: An abundance of sights, sounds, smells, and textures.
• Visual diversity: Perspectives from high to low, near and far, big and small.
• Layers of meaning: Exploring the historical, cultural, and spiritual connections between humans and woodlands.

Through Forest School, we nurture a lifelong love of learning and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Our Forest School Aims

Reflecting our school values of Teamwork, Resilience, Respect, Inclusion, Creativity, and Kindness, our Forest School aims to provide a rich and rewarding experience for every child.
 

Creating a Thriving Outdoor Community and Empowering Children

We foster a thriving outdoor community where children feel confident, happy, valued, and free to think creatively. Forest School provides a space where children can connect with their peers and the natural world, building a sense of belonging and shared experience. We empower them with practical and transferable skills by providing opportunities to use tools safely, initiate their own projects, and bring their ideas to life. These hands-on experiences encourage problem-solving, resourcefulness, and a can-do attitude.
 

Embracing Challenge, Reflection, and Growth

We embrace managed risk and challenge by facilitating child-led activities throughout the seasons, encouraging exploration and safe risk-taking. We provide time and space for individual and group reflection, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. Children are encouraged to observe, question, and reflect on their experiences, developing a deeper understanding of their environment and their place within it. In line with Botley School's ethos, we cultivate a growth mindset by inspiring a love of challenges, encouraging curiosity about mistakes, and fostering a joy for continuous learning. We believe that every experience, both successes and setbacks, provides an opportunity for growth and development.
 

A Unique Learning Approach

This specialised learning approach, embedded within a broader outdoor and woodland education, empowers every child to direct their own development while experiencing the wonder and magic of nature throughout the year.
 

Core Principles

While every Forest School session is unique, thanks to the ever-changing wonders of nature, each shares a core set of principles designed to ensure every child reaps the long-lasting benefits of a quality Forest School experience.

Forest School Rules: Keeping Everyone Safe and Happy

At the beginning of each year, we introduce our Forest School rules to new pupils and refresh them for returning students. Feel free to test your child on them!
 

The Three-One Whistles Rule

• Three whistles: Stop immediately, put down any equipment, and return to the fire circle within one minute. This signals an emergency, a new task, or the end of the session.
• One whistle: Stop and freeze. This allows the Forest School Leader to communicate with another adult.
   

The Boundary Rule

Stay within the designated Forest School area at all times. Children must be visible to adults. Whether we're in the Woodland or the Apple Grove, remain within those boundaries.
 

The Stick Rule

• We encourage using natural materials, but sticks cannot be longer than your arm at the start of the year. As trust builds, we may use larger sticks later on.
• To protect our woodland ecosystem, we have a 'stick amnesty' as we leave. Please hand in any sticks you've collected (unless you've made something to take home during the session).
   

The Pond Rule

Do not go beyond the blue rope barrier around the pond in the Woodland unless supervised by an adult for activities like pond dipping.
 

The Fire Circle Rule

• When the fire is lit, kneel on one knee ("proposal position") to approach it, allowing for a quick retreat if needed.
• Point sticks only at the fire.
• Do not walk or run through the fire circle. When getting up, turn around and walk around the perimeter.
   

The Climbing Rule

• Small trees are fine to climb unsupervised.
• Larger trees are designated as "The Climbing Tree" on rotation and require adult supervision.
   

The 'Be Kind and Have Fun!' Rule

• Kindness: We prioritise kindness to everyone, children and adults alike. We encourage looking out for others and fostering a supportive environment.
• Fun: Having fun is essential! When children are happy, they're more creative, adventurous, and open to new experiences.