Forest School in Worcester
Here at RGSW, we are pleased to offer two Forest Schools in Worcester and one in Droitwich:
RGS Springfield Forest School in Worcester
RGS The Grange Forest School in Worcester
RGS Dodderhill Forest School in Droitwich Spa
Supported by specialist and dedicated Forest School teachers, each of our Forest School areas provides the perfect open-air and natural environment that offers child-centred opportunities for holistic learning and development.
What is Forest School?
The Forest School Association defines Forest School as a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers children opportunities for holistic growth and development through regular sessions centred in a natural and outdoors setting.
Children aged two and above attend weekly sessions based on topic related activities that support play, exploration, and personal, social and technical skills. The safe and nurturing Forest School environment helps encourage and support children with problem-solving and supported risk-taking; encouraging the development of confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
Forest Schools not only support children in further developing a wide range of skills but also teaches children the importance of the outdoors and nature and encourages them to build empathy with the natural world around them.
History of Forest School
Based on outdoor learning principles dating back to before the 19th century and influences from the open-air culture of Scandinavia, Forest School first arrived in the UK in 1993.
Forest School Activities
The Forest School curriculum is based on providing children with a safe and inspirational outdoor environment in which they can discover, explore and learn through hands-on learning experiences supported by specialist Forest School teachers.
Forest School activities are largely learner-centred and responsive to each child’s needs and interests with significant emphasis on learner choice and learning through play. Forest School projects make use of natural resources whilst modelling and maintaining an environmentally sustainable attitude. Children are encouraged to take supported risks and engage in activities such as cutting and chopping wood, den making, transitional art, looking for signs of nature, woodwork and more.
Some of the main benefits of the Forest School include improved confidence, self-esteem, resilience and independence. The inspirational learning process of the Forest School supports children’s holistic wellbeing and social, cognitive, emotional and physical development.
