The primary intent of Forest School at Leigh Academy Milestone is to support the holistic development of children through child-led learning in an outdoor environment. This includes fostering emotional, social, and physical development by providing opportunities for supported risk-taking, collaborative work and play, and exploration of nature through child-initiated activities. A key aspect is to develop principled learners who are environmentally conscious and aware of the changing world. Forest School also aims to provide a contrast to the structured classroom environment, offering time outdoors and away from technology, which is known to have a positive impact on mental health. Furthermore, transdisciplinary learning will connect classroom studies to Forest School activities.
At Leigh Academy Milestone, we want every child to be happy and aspirational learners during Forest School, and to be eager to achieve their very best in order to fulfil their considerable potential. We firmly believe that the recipe for success is high-quality first-wave teaching in Forest School, which is central to our safe, supportive and curious academy environment. We value Forest School as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum.
Forest School sessions are led by a trained Forest School leader and class teams. Students are given the agency to guide their own learning, with activities including:
- Exploring the woodland environment
- Understanding and respecting the natural environment
- Building dens and temporary shelters
- Finding minibeasts
- Climbing trees
- Using hand tools to create woodland crafts
- Participating in campfire cooking
Where appropriate, students are taught to use hand tools, building on their skills at each session. Campfires are held where suitable, with safety procedures followed under adult supervision. Students are supported in cooking a range of foods over a fire using different techniques. Forest School is situated in a secure area within the grounds of Leigh Academy Milestone. Sessions are held regardless of the weather and students are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing, such as waterproof coats, wellington boots and removable layers during colder months and sun protection in warm weather.
Forest School aims to have a significant impact on students; supporting happy, aspiration learners. It aims to…
- Encourage creativity and imaginative skills
- Promote independence, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Increase knowledge and understanding of the changing natural world, to develop principled learners
- Boost confidence and self-esteem
- Improve mental health and build self-regulation techniques through time outdoors
- Develop cross-curricular links between classroom learning and outdoor experiences