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.