Learning in the great outdoors

512.jpg

We’re a Forest School

A close-up of a woman with glasses and earrings, wearing a green jacket, outdoors with a blurred green background, holding a stick or wand.

In September 2023, Olderfleet Primary School officially became a Forest School. Mrs Godfrey was the first member of staff to achieve the Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, with Mrs Baird gaining her qualification in September 2026 and Mrs Brownlees currently undertaking her training.

Forest School is an integral part of our curriculum and features within our weekly timetable. Classes regularly visit our local park, using it as a base for outdoor learning and exploration. Through a wide range of hands-on activities, children develop confidence, resilience, independence and a strong connection with the natural world while learning valuable life skills in a safe and supportive environment.

What is a Forest School?

Two children are in a forest, one hiding behind a tree and the other looking at her. The girl is holding a small black device, possibly a toy or a gadget, and wears a beige jacket. The boy is partly obscured, wearing a blue jacket. They appear to be playing or hiding in the woods.
Illustration of a blue coral reef branch with intricate, branching structure on a black background.

Forest School is an educational approach that takes place in a natural woodland or outdoor setting. It provides children with regular opportunities to learn, explore and grow in the natural environment. Through hands-on activities, outdoor challenges and child-led discovery, pupils develop confidence, resilience, creativity and teamwork skills. Forest School encourages a love of nature while supporting physical wellbeing, problem-solving and lifelong learning. By taking learning beyond the classroom, we help children build independence, curiosity and a deeper connection with the world around them.

To find out more visit the Northern Ireland Forest School Association here

What we get up to

  • Children sitting inside a blue camping tent outdoors on the ground with dirt and branches, smiling and looking at the camera, dressed in outdoor clothing.

    Den Building

    Den building encourages children to work together to create shelters using natural materials and their imagination. As they design and construct their dens, they develop problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills.

  • Children and an adult camping outdoors, working together to start a fire with sparks flying from a metal container.

    Lighting Fires

    Fire lighting teaches children how to safely build, light and manage a small fire under close adult supervision. Through this activity, they learn about fire safety, responsibility and the importance of managing risk and of course creating opportunities for cooking and shared experiences around the campfire!

  • Group of children outdoors in a forest, wearing jackets, holding sticks, and looking down.

    Whittling Wood

    Wood whittling allows children to safely use tools to shape and carve wood under careful supervision. Through this activity, they develop concentration, patience and fine motor skills while learning how to use tools responsibly. Creating something with their own hands builds confidence, perseverance and a sense of achievement.

  • Smiling young girl with red hair and freckles outdoors in a forest, next to a tree with a natural bear-shaped knot in the bark.

    Nature Art

    Nature art encourages children to use natural materials such as leaves, sticks, stones and flowers to create imaginative artwork. Through this activity, they develop creativity, observation skills and an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.