Welcome to Highfield Community Primary School's Forest School

At Highfield Community Primary School, we believe in providing our children with a well-rounded education that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. One of the ways we achieve this is through our exceptional Forest School programme.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a unique approach to outdoor education that allows children to develop confidence, independence, self-esteem, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment. Through a series of small, achievable tasks, our children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace, using their personal learning styles to complete their chosen activities.

 

Aims and Benefits of Forest School

The primary aims of our Forest School programme are:

• To provide children with experiences that encourage an appreciation, awareness, and knowledge of the natural environment.
• To teach children to respect and care for their local environment.
• To help children abide by rules, set standards of behaviour, work cooperatively in groups, and respect one another.
• To develop children's self-esteem and self-confidence through the setting of small, achievable tasks.

By engaging in Forest School, our children have the opportunity to:

• Explore and connect with the natural world around them.
• Develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
• Build confidence and resilience through hands-on learning experiences.
• Cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it.

Our Forest School Provision

At Highfield Community Primary School, our Forest School is an integral part of our curriculum. All of our children, from Early Years Foundation Stage to Year 6, have the chance to participate in Forest School sessions, led by our trained Forest School practitioners.

Our modern school building is complemented by large grounds that include a dedicated Forest School area, complete with a yard, sports field, multi-use games area, adventurous wooden play equipment, and an outdoor gym. This provides the perfect setting for our children to immerse themselves in nature and engage in a wide range of activities, from building shelters and creating natural art to learning about the local flora and fauna.

Aligning with Our Vision and Values

At Highfield Community Primary School, our Forest School programme aligns perfectly with our overarching vision and values. By fostering a safe and stimulating environment where all children are valued, we aim to build confident, independent learners who appreciate the diversity of the natural world around them.

Through our Forest School sessions, we empower our children to take ownership of their learning, explore their interests, and develop essential life skills that will serve them well both in and out of the classroom. We are committed to providing our children with a well-rounded education that nurtures their curiosity, creativity, and love for the environment.

To learn more about our Forest School programme or to arrange a visit, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Highfield Community Primary School.