All pupils at Grange Academy will be offered the opportunity to participate in ‘Forest School’ activities.

Find out more about accessing our Forest School by watching our video below.

What is Forest School?

The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences.

Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

Whilst taking part in these sessions, children have the opportunity to learn about the natural world, develop practical skills, such as stick carving and fire lighting, and explore and play in their woodland setting. That setting changes with the seasons giving the pupils the chance to explore whatever the weather!

Forest School at Grange?

At Grange we offer a range of activities in our area including a tamed Forest School area and a wild woodland strip that we must always return to its natural state. We have a wild meadow that is increasing our biodiversity and in turn the exploration of flora and fauna. We have built and continue to develop our site based on our pupils needs and interests.

Children learn best from first- hand experiences including exploring, playing and discovery using a range of activities which are both designed by the Forest School leader and instigated by the children themselves.

Children learn best from first hand experiences including exploring, playing and discovery using a range of activities which are both designed by the Forest School leader and instigated by the children themselves.

Forest School aims to build a sense of independence, increase self-esteem and foster teamwork, as well as encourage an understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Our pupils will be learning through discovery in areas such as:

  • Mathematic development (counting natural objects; sorting shapes, colours and sizes; measuring; problem solving and calculating; pattern making and recognising)
  • Physical development (spatial awareness; balancing; negotiating obstacles; use of tools; games and healthy exercise outside)
  • Personal, social and emotional development (build self-esteem; independence; co-operation; team work and self-confidence; respect for living things; sharing experiences with peers and adults; building understanding of health and safety)
  • Literacy and listening skills (listening to and following instructions; discussing findings; new vocabulary; sharing ideas; story telling; songs and rhymes; mark making in the mud; keeping a diary)
  • Scientific understanding (investigating all the natural flora and fauna in the woodland; investigating whether; predicting and experimenting; mapping; growing things; using senses to learn about materials, textures, changes etc.)
  • Creativity (dancing; music making; picture making using natural materials; Mud painting; role play and imaginative play).

There will also be opportunities for den building, fire making and using tools!

If you would like to book a session or require further information please use the link below to register your interest.

Forest School Registration of Interest

Grange Academy is a Unicef Gold Rights Respecting School and Gold Artsmark School. Ofsted rated ‘Good’ (May 2022).
Telephone: 01234 407100 – Office Email: grange@biltt.org

Grange Academy is part of Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust
Company Number:  08156641

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