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Forest School

Our Forest School is a bespoke area on the school site, which offers an innovative holistic approach, that gives pupils the opportunities to develop their well-being, confidence, independence and resilience in a natural setting.
Our learners participate in a range of differentiated activities including:
  • Mud kitchen
  • Swinging in hammocks
  • Natural weaving
  • Leaf printing and threading
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Planting trees
  • Making dens
  • Tree faces
  • Bird feeders
  • Using tools
  • Making a fire and cooking
Pioneer Forest School Progression of Learning

Overall Objectives

  • I can look after the Forest School area
  • I know how to keep myself safe in the Forest School Area
  • I am able to choose activities during Forest School sessions
  • I am developing confidence and feel good about myself
  • I can set myself challenges
  • I am able to work with others
  • I am able to share my ideas
  • I am able to listen to other
  • I can use specific vocabulary linked to outdoor learning
  • I can name some features of the different seasons
Our amazing harvest from forest school

We managed to successfully grow delicious juicy black grapes and, although the birds got 11 bunches, we saved 2 bunches, alongside a good few bowls of apples.  

Next year’s plan will be to net the grapes to avoid the birds taking them!

Specific Targets

Level 1

  • I can accept the routines of forest school
  • I am willing to wear suitable clothing
  • I can move around different areas of the site
  • I can explorer the site safely
  • I am willing to touch some natural objects
  • I can identify some simple natural items (e.g. leaf, stick)
  • I am able to stay out of the fire circle area
  • I can respond appropriately to the ‘owl call’
  • I can use a mallet safely

Level 2

  • I can use natural materials to create sculpture and paintings
  • I can name or match a minibeast to a picture
  • I can match leaves to a picture
  • I can use a palm drill safely with adult support
  • I can build a shelter with adult support
  • I can use a potato peeler to remove the bark from a stick
  • I can be safe around a pond
  • I can use a net safely in a pond

Level 3

  • I know the basic things needed to make a fire
  • I am able to tie a knot
  • I can use different natural materials to create artwork
  • I can throw a rope over a branch
  • I can build a shelter with a peer
  • I can use a palm drill safely independently
  • I can use secateurs safely with adult support
  • I can name or match 3 tree leaves
  • I can name or match 3 minibeasts
  • I can name a pond creature

Level 4

  • I can use secateurs safely
  • I can use loppers safely with adult support
  • I able to use a bit and brace
  • I can identify 6 trees/plants
  • I can identify 6 minibeasts
  • I can help an adult light a fire safely
  • I can create models within the environment e.g a fairy house, den
  • I can make a rope swing with adult support
  • I can tie two pieces of string together using a reef knot

Level 5

  • I am able to help cook food on a fire
  • I can build a shelter
  • I can cut wood using a saw with adult support
  • I can identify a range of habitats for different wildlife
  • I can gather resources for a fire
  • I can make a rope swing with a peer
  • I know how to store food safely to cook on a fire
  • I can tie a knot for a purpose

Level 6

  • I can use tools safely to make a product using natural materials eg musical instrument
  • I can use a knife to whittle green wood
  • I can cut wood using a saw independently
  • I can lash two sticks together
  • I can suggest a way to help the forest develop