Our Forest School Adventure

Forest School Timetable

Forest School Progression of Skills (by area)

Forest School Progression of Skills (by year group)

Forest School in Focus

Our Forest School Adventure

If you go down to the woods today ... you're sure of a big surprise!

At Godinton we love to learn outside, whether that’s exploring in our wildlife area, making discoveries in our Reception playground or enjoying our Forest School sessions out in our very own woodland.

This year, we have expanded our Forest School provision to give each class a block of sessions during the school year, each ending with a special campfire. The sessions are timetabled so that during their time at Godinton, the children get to make woodland discoveries throughout all the seasons. Our progressive scheme of activities builds up the children’s skills in a range of activities such as making things from natural materials or building dens. However the most important aspect of Forest School provision is the positive impact that it has on children’s wellbeing – developing their confidence, resilience, teamwork and communication. Led by our trained team of Forest School practitioners our woodland experiences provide a special enhancement to our curriculum.

As part of our Guiding Stars curriculum, Forest School is the leading light subject for ‘Teamwork’.

Within our Forest School curriculum, the children will work together towards a common goal, negotiating ideas with each other. The children are supported in understanding that sometimes other people might have better ideas than they do and learn to recognise each other’s strengths and how to play to these. The children learn how best to listen to and try out the ideas of everyone, making sure that everyone feels included in the challenges they are set as a team. The children help each other to work through personal challenges and to move out of their comfort zones to try new things.

Click on the Teamwork icon below to find out more about how the children’s understanding of teamwork progresses throughout our Forest School curriculum.

Please click on the long term overview icon to see which term your child's class will have their Forest School sessions.

During Forest School sessions, it is very important that children are appropriately dressed for the weather, the environment and the equipment they will be using.  All children need to bring:

• Wellingtons/sturdy walking boots
• Long trousers/ long sleeved top
• Jumper/Sweatshirt
• Waterproof coat and waterproof trousers
• Hat, gloves and thick socks in Autumn/Winter months
• Sun hat and sun cream in Summer

These need to be old clothes as we do not intend to stay clean! Please do not feel that you need to buy any new or specialist clothing for these sessions. The children will be given the opportunity to change in school before the sessions and will go home in their Forest School clothes. If any of the above items present a difficulty, please let us know.