Forest School

Heart of the Forest Community Special School aims to make the most of its location in the heart of the Forest of Dean by offering pupils Forest School sessions. This approach to outdoor learning encourages children to become independent, develop and use their imagination, take appropriate risks within boundaries and initiate learning for themselves, whilst allowing pupils to learn through their interests.

   Forest School is a holistic approach to learning, incorporating children’s individuality and develops their skills for lifelong learning. It can cover many areas of learning, including the emotional and spiritual aspects of learning where self-esteem and self-confidence can develop and positive relationships with others formed outside of the usual classroom environment.  Forest School explores the outdoors and the natural environment with practical, useful activities all year round. It aims to develop peer learning with staff providing support and enabling activities to take place. The pupil’s interest should be at the heart of any activity and staff will do their best to enable as many pupils as possible to be able to experience Forest School sessions in a form that enables the pupils to access it.  Sessions may take place in the Forest Classroom just outside the school boundary or in selected locations within school and will take place in all weathers as long as it is safe for the pupils to be outside in that area.

We have adapted the 6 key principles of Forest School to suit our school:

• sessions are led by a qualified Forest School Leader
• to attend Forest School weekly all year round
• to spend time outside with nature
• to develop the whole person
• to have opportunities to take risks
• – to have opportunities to make choices, explore and play

Parents/Carers of those pupils with timetabled Forest School sessions will receive a letter with more details including when the sessions are and a consent form.  This letter also includes a request to provide suitable clothing to keep their child warm and dry during the activity and spare clothes if needed after the session, with examples of clothing needed in the letter.

Benefits of Forest School:

• Develop pupils’ understanding of and respect for nature
• Develop awareness of keeping self safe
• Develop a connection with the environment and natural world
• Develop play and exploration skills
• Improve pupils’ confidence, resilience, independence, communication, teamwork and self-esteem through exploration
• Improve wellbeing through being outdoors, using senses and body
• Increased physical activity

Duke of Edinburgh

Here at Heart of the Forest, students in KS4/ KS5 have the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, similar to thousands of young people throughout the country every year and includes Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Students are supported to work towards the Bronze Level Award in school which includes four main sections; Skills, Physical, Volunteering and Expedition.

 Skills – For this section students choose an activity that will allow them to prove they have broadened their understanding and increased their expertise in their chosen skill, for example cooking, sewing, gardening or art & craft.

Physical – As part of this section students can choose any sport, dance or fitness activity – in short, anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity. For example, playing a sport regularly and showing personal improvement or taking part regularly in a variety of activities to keep fit. If a student takes part in physical activity outside of school this could also be used towards their award.

Volunteering – This allows students to give time to help people, the community or society, the environment or animals. Within this section students choose to give their time, often in a team to do something useful without getting paid, for a charity or non-profit organisation.

Expedition – For this section, students will need to plan, train for and complete a supervised, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim. The expedition usually takes place over two days, including one night. During which students will be supported to pitch tents and sleep overnight as part of the expedition however, if any student does not wish/or is unable to sleep in a tent they are able to go home and return the following day to complete the challenge. Furthermore, the expedition must be completed by their own physical efforts, all of which will be supported with skill development during D of E lessons in school. 

Students are able to work on all the sections of the award during the school day including the Expedition. They can earn an award for each section they complete regardless of whether they complete the award in its entirety. We realise that some students may be apprehensive towards some of the activities and it is completely their choice but where possible they are encouraged to take part. Whilst working towards the award students can discover new skills, develop resilience, become part of a team, increase their self-esteem and most importantly have fun!

You can find out more information by going to the D of E website, www.dofe.org or by speaking to our D of E Manager in school Carol Rushton.