Forest School

Forest School Learning with Foundation Stage and Key Stage One

At Pilsley C of E Primary School, we believe that some of the most powerful learning takes place beyond the classroom. Each week, our Key Stage One and Early Years children visit the Pilsley Woods or our school field to take part in Forest School activities, where they learn through exploration, play, discovery and meaningful experiences in the natural environment.

Every session is built around a carefully chosen theme, such as a fairy tale, nature story, seasonal change, or the study of a particular animal, bird or minibeast. These themes provide meaningful contexts for exploration, discussion and discovery, helping children to make connections across their learning.

Children begin each session with a chosen story or stimulus and take part in a range of engaging activities, including singing, games, crafts, art projects, role play, storytelling, construction and investigation. They are encouraged to explore, sort and classify natural objects, ask questions and share their ideas. These experiences support the development of communication and language, creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking and a growing understanding of the world around them.

Through a balance of carefully planned adult-led experiences and child-initiated learning, children are encouraged to develop independence, resilience and confidence. Open-ended provocations spark curiosity and inspire exploration, while also providing freedom for children to follow their own interests, make choices and take ownership of their learning. This child-centred approach nurtures a love of learning and helps children develop the skills they need to become confident, capable and reflective learners.

Research suggests that regular outdoor learning can have a positive impact on children's confidence, resilience, social skills, physical development and emotional wellbeing. Studies have also found that Forest School experiences can help children develop independence, sustain concentration, strengthen relationships with others and build a deeper connection to the natural world.

Our Forest School approach is child-centred and encourages children to become active, curious learners. Carefully planned provocations spark interest and extend learning, while children are also given the freedom to follow their own ideas, make choices and take ownership of their learning. This balance of guidance and independence helps children develop confidence, self-regulation and a sense of responsibility for themselves, others and the environment.

Through regular experiences in nature, children learn to appreciate and care for the world around them while developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes that support lifelong learning. Forest School is therefore an important part of our curriculum, contributing not only to children's academic development, but also to their physical health, mental wellbeing, personal development and love of learning.

We visit Pilsley Woods on Tuesdays afternoons for Forest School. If your child is taking part, please send them in clothes which help to protect them from the elements. The children wear all in one suits or waterproof trousers and coats in the Autumn and Winter. They will need sturdy shoes or wellies to navigate the terrain. In Spring and Summer we wear lighter clothes but arms and legs are covered to protect us from stings/bites. Please make sure your child is wearing sunscreen too.

Map Making