Learning in the great outdoors

We’re a Forest School

On 12 November 2024 the staff in Olderfleet took part in the Take 5 steps to wellbeing ambassadors training and the High Five Friday information session. None of us guessed that exactly a year later, 12 November 2025, the EA officer who had delivered this training would be back with the staff getting ready to become the 12th principal of our school.

Following that 2024 training Mrs Godfrey had been getting started with introducing Take 5 and when Mrs Galbraith took up post the staff were more than ready to hit the ground running with the High Five Friday programme.

What is a Forest School?

High Five is a wellbeing programme underpinned by the knowledge that focusing on wellbeing and learning can, and should, happen at the same time. We set two Fridays a month aside as High Five Fridays and intentionally focus on the 5 aspects of Take 5. It’s not a break from academics, it’s an opportunity to explore learning in different ways with lower demands.

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

What we get up to

  • Den Buidling

    We focus on everyone feeling safe and belonging in our Olderfleet family. We plan opportunities for our children to to enjoy each other’s company.

  • Lighting Fires

    We organise opportunities for our children to experience shared joy with their peers. We protect movement time and explore a range of exercises that help us regulate.

  • Whittling Wood

    We intentionally plan opportunities for low demand time set aside for peace and calm. We join the dots and make sense of life. We notice what is working well for us right now.

  • Nature Art

    We plan space for our children to reflect on what they have learned and identify new challenges. We make sure our children see the whole Olderfleet family supporting them along their learning journey.