Forest School - Park Explorers

Forest School sessions at Park enable children to develop an inquisitive and positive relationship with the natural world. We aim to increase confidence, self-esteem and respect through individual and team activities.  Although there is a clear and progressive scheme of work in place, children are encouraged to investigate the natural environment and pose questions for themselves.  They are encouraged to be independent and think outside the box, finding solutions to their own problems. Park Explorers take the National Curriculum lessons outside with arts and crafts, wood work, physical movement, habitats, growing food to eat, maintaining plants and the natural environment.

Our holistic approach to child development seeks to simultaneously address the physical, emotional, relational, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a child's life... to enable them to feel a sense of ‘belonging, exploring and achieving’ during their time in the Forest School. This transformational process involves open-ended, purposeful and lasting experiences in our beautiful outdoor environment 

Teaching and Learning

As Forest School does not yet appear on the National Curriculum a comprehensive, spiral programme has been developed for each year group which focuses on:

Tool use: including the use of ships, hammer, screwdrivers and saws.

Campfire cooking and fire: including different fire lays and using different parts of the fire for different cooking methods, as well as how to light and maintain.

Den Making: from small animal shelters to kit shelters and high shelters.

Knots: including simple over head knots, granny knot, reef knot, timber hitch knots, lashing sticks together.

Each activity is thoroughly planned alongside up-to-date risk assessments which are shared with all adults and children taking part in the session.

In every session, there is an element of free play and time to explore as this is fundamental to the forest school approach.

Forest School Kit

When your child has Forest School, please send them to school in their Forest School kit and they can bring their uniform in a separate bag. 

RHS School Gardening Awards

The RHS School Gardening Awards are designed to encourage and support schools in developing their gardening programs. We have been awarded Level One, Two and Three.

Level One

Focus: Starting out on the gardening journey.

• Requirements: Schools need to demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of gardening, ensure the growing space is accessible, and start gardening activities.
• Rewards: 'Your Wellbeing Garden' book, a selection of seeds, a certificate, and a digital logo.

Benefits for Pupils:

• Learning about the environment and sustainability.
• Improving emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Building life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and confidence

Level Two

Focus: Gardening to support wellbeing and developing new growing skills.

• Requirements: Schools should use pupils' ideas to guide gardening plans and continue developing gardening skills.
• Rewards: £50 National Garden Gift Voucher, 'How to Garden the Low Carbon Way' book, a selection of seeds, a certificate, and a digital logo

Benefits for Pupils:

• Enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Encouraging healthy eating habits.
• Fostering a sense of responsibility and achievement

Level Three

Focus: Planet-friendly gardening and maintaining plant health.

• Requirements: Schools need to grow a range of plants and focus on keeping them healthy.
• Rewards: £50 National Garden Gift Voucher, 'The Little Book of Wild Gardening', a selection of seeds, a certificate, and a digital logo

Benefits for Pupils:

• Understanding the importance of biodiversity.
• Developing practical gardening skills.
• Promoting environmental stewardship

These awards not only provide structured goals for schools but also help pupils gain valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to their overall development and wellbeing. 

Food for Life

The Food for Life (FFL) Awards are designed to promote healthy eating, food education, and sustainable food practices in schools. We have been awarded the Bronze Award and are currently working on the Silver and Gold Awards.

 

Bronze Award

Focus: Establishing a good food culture.

• Requirements: Schools must show they are providing healthy school meals, involving pupils and parents in food activities, and integrating food education into the curriculum.
• Rewards: A certificate, access to resources, and support from the FFL team

Benefits for Pupils:

• Improved understanding of healthy eating.
• Enhanced engagement with food-related activities.
• Development of practical cooking and gardening skills

Silver Award

Focus: Expanding food education and community involvement.

• Requirements: Schools need to demonstrate that they are sourcing ethical and sustainable food, involving the wider community, and providing cooking and growing opportunities for pupils.
• Rewards: A certificate, additional resources, and continued support from the FFL team

Benefits for Pupils:

• Increased awareness of sustainability and ethical food choices.
• Opportunities to participate in community food projects.
• Enhanced teamwork and leadership skills

Gold Award

Focus: Leading the way in food education and sustainability.

• Requirements: Schools must show they are a beacon of good food culture, with a strong emphasis on organic and locally sourced food, and extensive involvement in food education and community projects.
• Rewards: A certificate, premium resources, and ongoing support from the FFL team

Benefits for Pupils:

• Deepened understanding of food systems and sustainability.
• Leadership opportunities in school and community food projects.
• Enhanced sense of responsibility and achievement

These awards help schools create a positive food culture, improve pupil health and wellbeing, and support educational goals.