Forest School

Here at St David’s School we incorporate Forest School into our
curriculum. The majority of staff are trained to lead or assist in Forest
School. Each class has a timetabled session to learn and explore in our
local woodland.

Our Forest School builds on the natural instinct to learn and explore
that everybody is born with. It offers opportunities for children to make
choices for their own learning and take and manage risks. Development of
these skills encourages positive attitudes and behaviour.

The sessions are led by the interests of the learners and offer the
opportunitiy for children to investigate and explore, work alone or as a
team- ultimately developing a love and respect for the environment.
Children may enjoy such experiences as building shelters, woodland
craftwork, telling stories, cooking over fires, climbing trees, hunting
for minibeasts and making mud pies. As the programme develops woodland
tools are introduced to extend learning and provide new opportunities for
risk management.

The concept was developed in Scandinavia, and operates on the principle
that children of all ages benefit from the learning opportunities present
in a woodland environment. They found that by taking the majority of
their learning outdoors, whatever the weather, their children became
resilient, confident and independent learners.

If your child takes part in Forest School please ensure they have all of
the correct kit in school on the right day – it is all for their own
safety and they may not be able to take part without it.

Winter kit list

• Several warm layers- including long sleeved top and trousers
• Waterproof coat and waterproof trousers
• Sturdy boots/wellies
• Hat and gloves

Summer kit list

• Several layers- including long sleeved top and trousers
• Waterproof coat and waterproof trousers
• Sturdy, closed toe shoes (which may get muddy) or wellies
• Sun hat
• Sun cream to be applied before school

Ticks are prevalent in Rhineland Pfalz. Therefore we ask that you apply tick repellant before school once the outside temperature reaches 10 degrees+ and check your child in the evening for any tick bites.