The Power of the Great Outdoors
"They’re back!"
Every time our students returned from the woods, the entire corridor buzzed with their excitement. As someone who loves the outdoors and knows how deeply nature shaped my own childhood, I watched with interest.
When the chance finally came to start my own Forest School training journey, I jumped right in. Here is what happened when we traded four walls for the forest at Olderfleet Primary School.
Bringing the Classroom to Nature
Our school is incredibly lucky. Right across the road, we have a beautiful park featuring a large grassy field and a small wooded area. It is the perfect outdoor classroom. The children have completely embraced the Forest School ethos. They do not just learn here; they actively protect this space. From day one, they have taken pride in ensuring they leave the woods exactly the way they found them.
Letting the Children Lead (Even When It’s Scary!)
I will admit, I was nervous about planning these outdoor sessions at first. In the classroom, teachers like to be in control. Outdoors, I had to constantly remind myself to step back. I had to let the children guide their own learning and explain their own discoveries. Once I let go, it was incredibly refreshing to see just how creative they could be. Two highlights stood out from our sessions:
• Fantastic Mr. Fox in the Wild: Linking back to our class novel, the children used clay to create characters directly onto the tree trunks. They gathered natural materials to build their masterpieces, drawing effortlessly on their previous classroom knowledge.
• Mud-Kitchen MasterChef: Under the theme of staying healthy, the children created outdoor recipes. This activity completely transformed our quietest students. Children who usually avoid being called on in class were suddenly desperate to present their "dish," speaking with clarity and using advanced vocabulary.
Breaking Down Barriers
Even the simple routine of getting ready for Forest School changed our dynamic. Putting on wellies and coats together encouraged a much more nurturing space. It gave us time to just chat, laugh, and connect in a relaxed way before the lesson even started.
Learning without the fear of failure had a massive impact. There was absolutely no fear of getting an answer "wrong."
Instead, the children threw themselves into challenges with pure enjoyment. They communicated beautifully, solving problems in their groups without any need for noise management. Every single child was completely locked into their activity.
A Whole School Community of Learners
Earning this Forest School qualification has directly boosted student well-being, helping our children build deep connections with nature and each other. But the learning does not stop with the pupils. At Olderfleet, we are a true community of learners. Our staff members are constantly working to develop their own knowledge. This qualification has given me an invaluable toolkit of adaptable, age-appropriate lessons that foster a true culture of environmental care.
This shared growth creates a powerful ripple effect:
• A love for the planet: Children are developing a lifelong passion for looking after our world.
• Community connection: Students talk endlessly to their families about their experiences, bringing parents right alongside us on this journey.
• Teacher growth: Stepping into the student role myself has completely refreshed my teaching. It reminded me that incredible learning opportunities live far beyond four walls.
Sonya Baird Y4 Teacher