Forest School
If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise! We are now very excited to be able to offer Forest School sessions most afternoons of the week, allowing every child in the school to come out across the year.
Here at Lexden Primary School we are pleased to be able to offer a Forest School programme, run by a Level 3 Forest School leader and support staff, which offers a half term block of sessions.
Sessions are run on the school premises where we have an area of woodland perfect for small groups work. We have a log circle with a fire bowl and plenty of trees to use to make dens. One tree is perfect for rope swings and tightropes.
Forest School is a unique form of outdoor education. It allows children to develop independence, confidence, self-esteem and an awareness of the world around them. It is child centred and it allows for the children to use their own personal style of learning. They are encouraged to complete tasks of their own choosing. A guideline to each session is given but the learning is governed by the children. Groups will go out in most weathers as it is vital to experience our outdoor environment both in sunshine and rain.
At Lexden Primary School, the children and staff have been able to experience first-hand using tools to cut and shape wood, lighting fires safely, using ropes to make shelters and making natural art. We have had groups working out how to make natural dyes and trees have been given personalities with mud faces.
The teamwork and perseverance shown by children that take part has been remarkable. We hear the children discussing how to overcome problems and make improvements. They are proud to share their work and discoveries.
We believe that children should gain an awareness of looking after the environment around them and for wildlife that lives there.
Every aspect of Forest School is safe and child friendly. Checks of the site are carried out before the children arrive and the risks associated with the activities are assessed and minimised where possible.