Forest School fully embraces the outdoors as an inspirational learning environment where the learning that takes place is focussed around children’s interest rather than specific learning outcomes.
Children explore and experience the natural world and in doing so, build their confidence and self-esteem. They also learn new life skills through hands on learning experiences that promote independence and develop communication skills.
Our situation in Central London means that our pupils are growing up in an urban environment that could place limitations on the opportunities they have to play and learn in the outdoors and connect with nature.
By embedding a Forest School programme early in a child’s school career we are able to offer them access to a unique space where all they see is rare trees, grass, wildflowers, and all of mother nature’s creations.
At Hackney New Primary School we are committed to providing our pupils with a rich and engaging curriculum that allows them to explore all aspects of how they think, respond to and feel about both themselves and others.
Supporting the individual is a key element of our Forest School programme. Children respond to the space at their own pace and explore areas of interest to a point where they are comfortable to push their own limits both physically and emotionally in a safe, yet challenging sensory environment.
During the year-long programme, our Reception children learn a range of skills that include:
- Safety Sweeping
- Climbing trees
- Tying knots
- Bird watching
- Creating with wood
- Using a bow saw
- Whittling
- Building dens
- Using a hand drill
- Coppicing
- Climbing trees
As the pupils progress into Year 1 they continue their learning outdoors through our bespoke Outdoor Learning programme.