Forest School is a fantastic and unique opportunity for all children to be involved in. It is a nature-based programme involving exploration, discovery and learning new knowledge and skills. The process helps and facilitates more than knowledge-gathering, it helps learners develop socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and intellectually. It creates a safe, non-judgemental nurturing environment for learners to try stuff out and learn to take risks. Building confidence and self-esteem in learners is a key element of Forest School sessions and at St Luke’s we believe confidence and self-esteem are integral in order for children to be happy, flourish and succeed.
Originally from Denmark, Forest School was originally a concept aimed at pre-school children. It was found that children who attended Forest School, started school with strong social and communication skills, could work in groups confidently and a high self-esteem and confidence. This then provided children with a strong foundation on which to build on and create lifelong learning.
At St Luke’s Forest School we aim to create opportunities for children to:
- Develop confidence and self-esteem
- Solve problems and challenges
- Use tools safely to design and create
- Discover their own learning styles
- Learn how to manage risks
- Develop fine and gross motor skills
- Explore how nature can enhance wellbeing
- Explore how humans can help protect the Earth
- Reflect on their own learning
- Improve concentration
- Improve communication
- Develop mindfulness
- Develop spiritualty
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