Forest School Curriculum Statement 2025
Intent
At Brookfield, our intent in delivering Forest School is to provide a child-centred, holistic learning experience that fosters resilience, confidence, independence, and creativity through regular access to the natural environment.
Forest School is rooted in the belief that children thrive through hands-on experiences in nature, where they are given the freedom and space to explore, take appropriate risks, and develop a deep connection with the natural world. Through carefully planned sessions, we aim to support the development of the whole child—emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually—while respecting everyone’s learning journey.
Our approach encourages curiosity, collaborative play, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. By embedding Forest School into our curriculum, we strive to nurture a lifelong love for learning and nature, helping children become capable, confident, and caring individuals.
Implementation
Forest School will be delivered as a progressive, learner-centred outdoor programme embedded into the wider KS3 curriculum, with a focus on social, emotional, and personal development alongside practical skills and environmental awareness.
Delivery Model
- Frequency: Forest School sessions will run as part of a regular timetable (e.g. weekly, fortnightly, or in half-termly blocks), ensuring continuity and progression across the year groups.
- Group Size: Students will participate in small groups to promote safety, individual engagement, and effective facilitation of activities.
- Facilitation: All sessions will be led by a qualified Forest School Practitioner, with support from school staff to maintain appropriate ratios and pastoral support.
Learning Environment
- Sessions will take place in a designated outdoor area, ideally a woodland or natural green space, with access to basic tools, shelters, and materials.
- The environment will be managed to ensure safety while allowing for exploration, risk-taking, and environmental learning.
Curriculum Integration
- Forest School will complement subjects such as PSHE, Science, Geography, and Design Technology, with themes such as sustainability, ecosystems, tool use, and teamwork.
- Activities will be linked to the school’s wider aims around wellbeing, resilience, and character education.
Session Structure
Each session will include:
- A welcome and check-in, promoting emotional awareness and group connection
- A practical task or challenge (e.g. shelter building, fire lighting, tool use, nature-based art, or team challenges)
- Reflection time, where students can share experiences, build emotional literacy, and set personal goals
Inclusion & Differentiation
Forest School will be accessible to all students regardless of ability, background, or experience. Activities will be differentiated to ensure every learner can succeed and feel valued. Behavioural, emotional, and learning needs will be supported through trauma-informed practice and a nurturing approach.
Assessment & Progress
Progress will be captured through observation, student voice, and reflective journals or portfolios. Emphasis will be placed on the development of soft skills (resilience, communication, leadership), emotional regulation, and personal achievement.
Personal Development
Forest School plays a key role in supporting the personal development of students in Years 7, 8, and 9. During this crucial stage of adolescence, our Forest School programme provides meaningful opportunities for young people to grow in confidence, independence, and emotional maturity through regular experiences in the natural environment.
The programme is carefully designed to nurture the whole child, going beyond academic achievement to develop essential life skills and character traits that will support students throughout their education and into adulthood.
Through Forest School, students are empowered to:
- Build self-esteem and resilience by overcoming challenges in a safe, supportive outdoor setting
- Develop emotional intelligence through reflection, mindfulness, and self-regulation activities
- Foster social skills such as communication, empathy, leadership, and teamwork through collaborative tasks
- Promote independence and responsibility via self-directed learning, risk-taking, and decision-making
- Cultivate a sense of identity and purpose through connection with nature and time for self-reflection
- Enhance wellbeing by spending time outdoors, engaging in physical activity, and developing positive coping strategies
The Forest School approach is inclusive and trauma-informed, ensuring all students feel valued, supported, and capable of success regardless of background or ability. It encourages a growth mindset, where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities and effort is celebrated.
By embedding Forest School within our personal development offer, we help students to become confident, respectful, resilient individuals who are ready to contribute positively to their communities and face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Impact
Academic Outcomes
- Improved Engagement and Motivation in Learning
- Students develop a positive attitude towards learning through practical, hands-on experiences.
- Increased curiosity, perseverance, and willingness to take risks supports more active participation in academic subjects.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
- Real-world challenges in Forest School (e.g., building, navigating, group tasks) require logical thinking, planning, and adaptability, which support progress in subjects like Maths, Science, and Design & Technology.
- Stronger Communication and Literacy Skills
- Opportunities for discussion, instruction, storytelling, reflection, and journaling help build vocabulary, oral fluency, and writing skills.
- Students learn to express ideas clearly, listen actively, and contribute meaningfully to group discussions—valuable in English and across all subjects.
- Cross-Curricular Knowledge and Application
- Forest School supports curriculum links in:
- Science (ecosystems, life cycles, forces, materials)
- Geography (map reading, environmental awareness, sustainability)
- Maths (measuring, estimating, problem-solving)
- Art (natural materials, land art, creativity)
- Design & Technology (tool use, construction, design thinking)
- Improved Focus and Behaviour for Learning
- Regular time outdoors and development of emotional regulation can improve attention span and self-control, leading to better classroom performance.
- Development of Metacognitive Skills
- Reflective practice encourages students to evaluate their own learning, set goals, and understand how they learn best—enhancing performance across all academic areas.
- Increased Attendance and Reduced Disengagement
- For some students, Forest School acts as a re-engagement tool, improving school attendance and connection to learning, especially among those who struggle in traditional classroom settings.
- Preparation for Assessments and Coursework
- Skills such as planning, collaboration, independent thinking, and reflection are directly transferable to group projects, coursework tasks, and even exam preparation strategies.
Personal Development
Increased Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Students gain confidence through achieving personal goals, trying new experiences, and overcoming challenges in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.
Resilience and Perseverance
Regular exposure to new tasks and challenges in nature helps students develop a growth mindset and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Emotional Literacy and Regulation
Learners are given space to understand, express, and manage emotions, promoting better mental health and emotional resilience.
Improved Social Skills and Teamwork
Forest School fosters communication, cooperation, negotiation, and leadership through group activities, peer collaboration, and problem-solving.
Positive Relationships and Respect for Others
Working closely in small groups encourages empathy, tolerance, and respect for different opinions, backgrounds, and ways of working.
Sense of Responsibility and Independence
Learners take ownership of their tasks, tools, and environment, building responsibility, initiative, and independent thinking.
Leadership and Decision-Making Skills
Students are given opportunities to lead activities, make group decisions, and reflect on outcomes—key life and career-readiness skills.
Environmental Awareness and Stewardship
Students develop a deep connection with nature, leading to responsible attitudes towards the environment and sustainable living.
Wellbeing and Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Time outdoors, physical activity, and mindfulness practices embedded in Forest School support positive mental and physical wellbeing.
Cultural Capital and Broadening Horizons
Learners are exposed to experiences and knowledge beyond the classroom that enrich their understanding of the world, contributing to their cultural capital.