Bonnygate Forest School
What is Forest school?
Forest school is a unique educational experience and process that offers children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment.
The forest school concept originates in Denmark where it was found that children who attended forest school developed strong social and communication skills, had the ability to work in groups effectively, had high self-esteem and confidence in their own abilities. These foundations helped them raise their academic achievements.
Forest school at Bonnygate Primary School
We are lucky to have our own on-site forest school area. All sessions are led by Mrs Eaton and Mrs McSweeney who are both qualified, level 3 forest school leaders. All classes have access to the Forest School at some point in the academic year. We also support some of our children to access additional forest school during lunchtimes as part of our pastoral provision to help build self confidence, social and emotional wellbeing.
What activities will be available?
Forest school uses natural resources to stimulate imagination, creativity and investigation. Activities will include: shelter building, using knots and lashings, fire lighting, climbing trees, woodwork using tools, creating bug homes/bird feeders, team building games plus lots more. Children are given freedom and responsibility to explore their own interests, initiate and direct their own learning at a pace to suit themselves.
Benefits of Forest school
The aim of Forest School is to develop the person as a whole. Completing small achievable tasks, helps to boost confidence and self-esteem. Forest School sessions will have a positive impact on your child in the following areas:
· Motivation and Concentration
· Social Skills
· Confidence
· Language and Communication
· Physical Skills
· Knowledge and Understanding
Find out more about Forest School using this link
https://www.forestschools.com/pages/what-is-forest-school-an-introduction