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Forest School

Forest School

Learning and living as children of God

(Ephesians5:1) (You are God’s children whom he loves. Try to be like God)

We serve our community by providing the highest quality education, encouraging understanding of faith and promoting Christian values. All children can express curiosity, explore big questions, share socially and spiritually with freedom to make good choices underpinned by our values. Respect, Friendship, Perseverance, Thankfulness, Trust and Truthfulness. Forest School is a key example of how our school vision permeates through all we do. Forest school creates the value of awe and wonder, the intrigue of curiosity, exploring big questions through learning and the appreciation of God’s creation.

 Forest School originated in Scandinavia and began its journey in the UK in 1993, growing ever since. Forest School involves being outdoors in a natural setting and is child-led, providing opportunities for children to develop holistically.

We are thrilled to have our very own Forest School within the grounds of Deerhurst and Apperley and our aim is to use the outdoor environment to support the children’s learning and enhance their outdoor experiences, so that they can transfer their skills to their indoor learning and everyday life.

The Forest School ethos that we promote and adhere to at Deerhurst and Apperley is based on six key principles. These principles are defined by The Forest School Association as:

  1. It is a long-term process of regular sessions. The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review are combined into each session.
  2. It takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of the learner and the natural world.
  3. It aims to promote the holistic development of the children which includes creativity, resilience, independence and confidence.
  4. It offers opportunities for the children to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
  5. Forest School is run by qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioners.
  6. Forest School is learner-centred.

Chair of Governors – Mr Andrew Matthews

I have joined the governing body as a parent governor. I have two children currently in school in Classes 1 and 2, (and another joining the school in a few years) so the school will be a large part of our family life for many years to come. I have worked in aeronautical engineering for many years with experience in managing people, budgets, and projects. I hope to put my skills to use in supporting the school to continue to thrive.

 

School Council

School Council 2024-2025

At Deerhurst and Apperley we have are proud to have pupil representatives that take part in Class and School Council meetings.  These councils are in place so that pupils have a voice and are involved in decisions about the school that affect them.  Through Class Council all pupils have the opportunity to raise issues, share ideas and take part in discussions that involve all of their classmates in reaching a democratic solution.  Wider issues that arise at Class Council are discussed further at School Council, this ensures that as many pupil voices as possible are heard. 

Pupils at Deerhurst and Apperley know that this is their school and their thoughts and ideas matter. 

What does a School Council do?

A school council is a formal group of pupils who act as representatives of their classmates in discussing school issues with the headteacher and staff. It’s a brilliant way of representing and contributing to Pupil Voice in your school. Students are elected to represent the views of all pupils and also to improve their school.

“School council” means all kinds of school-based groups run by students, including student forums and youth parliaments. They help to make decisions about how the school is run and take on projects that support the children’s learning and development, such as organising charity events, representing the school at outside events or ensuring the school is environmentally friendly. School councils are usually elected annually by the other children. A school council does a number of things:

  • A school council usually meets with a teacher present to discuss and sort out problems. These could include school lunches, behaviour or ideas for fundraising events.
  • Members of the school council are responsible for carrying out the ideas that have been agreed upon, such as planning and raising awareness for school events.
  • Each year, every class will normally elect two representatives to be members of the school council.
Meet our School Council Members for 2024-2025

Class 1 – Year 1 –  Holly

Class 1 – Year 2 – Sebastian

Class 2 – Year 3 – George

Class 2 – Year 4 – Leo

Class 3 – Year 5 – Zahara

Class 3 – Year 6 – Rose and Luke

Minute Meetings Academic Year 2024- 2025

School Council Minutes 9.1.25

School Council Minutes 19.9.24

Minute Meetings Academic Year 2023- 2024

School Council Minutes 9.5.24

School Council Minutes 25.4.24

Minute Meetings Academic Year 2022- 2023

School Council Minutes 17.3.23

School Council Minutes 25.1.23

School Council Minutes Autumn 2022

Minute Meetings Academic Year 2021- 2022

School Council Minutes 8.2.22

School Council Minutes 1.12.21

School Council Minutes 25.11.21

School Council Minutes 8.9.21

Fruity Fridays for school year 2021-2022