˜Forest School is an inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults, regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands on learning experiences in a local woodland environment ˜ - Forest Education Initiative (FEI)
Based on a Scandinavian idea of embracing the outdoors as a learning environment, Forest School involves children and young people working with a qualified Forest School Leader on a frequent and regular basis throughout the year (ideally once a week) in a local woodland setting or on a designated Forest School site. Some sites have been developed on school grounds.
They follow their usual curriculum, but in an outdoor context, using learning and teaching strategies which raise self-esteem and develop confidence, independence, language and communication skills. The Forest School Leader works with the school/setting staff to carry themes looked at in the classroom into the woodland. The Forest School sessions are not an 'addition' but are part of the children's learning experiences, part of their school week. Sessions take place throughout the year; all seasons; all weathers unless it is dangerous for the session to take place (high winds / lightening).
For more information about Shropshire Council Forest School please see our flyer; which can be downloaded from this page.
For information on how to train to be a Forest School Leader, please visit our training page.
Forest School is growing nationally, for the bigger picture follow the links on this page to look at the Forest Education Initiative (FEI) or the Institute of Outdoor Learning Forest School Special Interest Group (FS SIG).