We are a Forest School
Forest Schools are nature-based communities where trained practitioners nurture learner-led exploration and discovery, nurturing meaningful experiences for positive lifelong impacts. Our teaching is based around the principles of Forest learning, and our teachers are qualified practitioners.
Intent
Forest School principles are the cornerstone of out outdoor curriculum. The purpose is to use the local area and the resources within our environment to provide life skills learning. This approach allows our children to apply their knowledge and understanding, which in turn builds confidence.
“Let nature be your teacher” William Wordsworth
“The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful” E. E. Cummings
Implementation
Children at Great Bedwyn have all year around Forest School experiences both on and off site. The school has access to both Primrose Grove and Old House Woods, as well as the use of the environment around the school.
Children are encouraged to have wellies in school on a daily basis so that they can access Primrose Grove which is our school site. The area is aptly named due to the abundance of primroses planted by pupils over the years. This is an ideal site for nurture groups and small group work.
Old House Woods is a well-established forest school in a 10 acre site at Chisbury. It is for our sole use, and is a magical place with mature oak trees and a carpet of bluebells in the spring.
At Great Bedwyn we have three Forest School leaders who deliver a progressive skills programme. All the children are involved in risk assessments and a full range of activities, including orienteering, shelter making, and early fire skills.
We are fortunate to be situated in a lovely area with access to historical sites, places of interest and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Children apply knowledge and skills gained to further develop their understanding in other areas of the curriculum.
