Forest School
Forest School at Mill View
Mill View Primary School has a thriving Forest School programme, which has now been a part of our mainstream curriculum for many years. Our well developed Forest School site is on the school premises and is used weekly by children who take part in Forest School activities led by our highly trained and experienced forest school teacher. We have had 2 major phases of tree planting to extend the Forest School area with 800 trees of local provenance. The site is a mixture of 20 different species including self seeded cherry, birch, hornbeam and alder. We have a fire circle, mud hill, pond, toilet, shelter and the snack station. The site is valued, respected and enjoyed by everyone in the school community.
What do we do at Forest school?
During the weekly Forest School visits safety is discussed and becomes embedded in the learning. Children learn to recognise risk, why rules apply and how to be safe in an outdoor environment. Over time the children risk assess their own situations enabling them to explore, discover, problem solve and learn using the seasons, nature and the outdoor environment. Elements of the the curriculum are delivered outside and therefore sessions are part directed and part child led. The children have a drink and a snack taking it in turns to be snack helpers. Manners are encouraged at all times. When appropriate the children will learn safe tool use, bushcraft skills, seasonal nature based activities and outdoor cooking. All activities are small achievable tasks that encourage the children to succeed.
Development of our Characteristics of Effective Learners in the forest
Why is Forest school important?
Forest School is an important and valuable dimension to the children's school experience at Mill View Primary School. It enables children to connect with nature and it fosters a sense of respect and ownership with the outdoor environment. Forest School activities are designed to develop self confidence and self esteem through hands on learning experiences using natural materials. The children learn how to be safe, keep their friends safe and treat the site with respect. Forest School offers all children wider opportunities to thrive and celebrate skills that they wouldn't have the chance to share in the classroom.