In Freemantles Forest School we aim to provide sessions that give our students the opportunity to engage in an enriching variety of carousel activities.
The sessions are underpinned by structure and routines which enable the students to thrive in an environment they enjoy. Visuals are utilised within the area, again to give students the best opportunity to thrive.
Students understand the expectations in Forest School and there is a heavy emphasis on creating tasks and activities that allow them to work on lifeskills, physical motor skills, communication, increase their confidence and knowledge as well as achieving successes as part of a team.
We have introduced Colour Zones to all our Outdoor Learning areas and this has proved incredibly successful, enabling the students to navigate their way round the areas, as well as helping staff to reduce their language.
The area has many different areas to pique the students interest ranging from a mud kitchen, balance beams, tyres, sandpits and a fire pit and pizza ovens for summer cooking.
Our students gain a sense of ownership in the area by laying woodchip paths and creating dead hedge areas as part of their regular carousel of Forest School activities as well as opportunities to engage in activities like den building, bug hunting, treasure hunts and fire safety.
Our goal in Forest School, and Outdoor Learning as a whole, is to create an environment where students are relaxed and happy, but also challenged to achieve their best in whatever they do. As well as fostering an understanding and appreciation of the benefits of accessing our natural environment.
