Marpool Primary School

Forest School

Background

Forest school has been an integral part of Early Years education in Scandinavia since the 1950s. The philosophy was based upon a desire to provide young children with an education that encouraged an appreciation of the natural world and responsibility for nature conservation in later life.

Forest school has been running in other areas of this country for several years. Marpool is the first school in Exmouth to adopt this scheme.

What happens at forest school?

When we arrive at the Forest school area we count the children in and remind them of the rules. We then spend some time reflecting on any changes to the environment. We do an activity together and then it is time to explore. The children make their own choices during this time, but it might include:

• creating a picture on the floor using natural materials
• making a nest or a shelter for an animal
• making a collection of objects
• caring for the chickens
• finding bugs.

We then gather together and share some of our work, and finally count everybody out as we leave forest school.