‘Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.’  https://forestschoolassociation.org

Forest School Principles:

Forest school is a long-term process

Forest school takes place in a natural wooded environment

Forest school aims to promote holistic development

Forest school offers the learners the opportunity to take supported risks

Forest school is run by qualified Forest School Practitioners

Forest school uses a range of learner-centred processes.

 

Forest School’s Vision Statement

Our school vision is:

St Mark’s CEP School is committed to developing children that are courageous, compassionate, and creative, making excellent all-round progress so they can reach their unique potential, experience and share “life in all its fullness.”

We Aspire, Believe, Succeed.

The benefits of spending time in nature are enormous. Forest school fits with the school vision of developing the whole child and helping them to reach their potential. Forest School provides opportunities for the children to develop resilience, self-confidence, take supported risks and form positive relationships. Forest school builds on the children’s motivation and helps them to further develop a positive attitude to learning. The opportunity to engage with the natural environment also helps to support the child’s wellbeing. Forest school helps children to flourish.