Forest School at Kirtlington School has been running since 2010. We are privileged to be able to use the ‘forest’ at the end of our playground, courtesy of Kirtlington Park.
The concept of Forest School originated in Sweden and the philosophy is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment, each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation and sound emotional and social skills. These, through self-awareness, can be developed to reach personal potential.
Simply put, our children jump through puddles, wade in mud, climb trees, whittle wood, build fires, make dens and much, much more.
We have Forest School leaders in school and this allows us to take ALL year groups throughout the school for at least one term during the year, it’s always a wonderful experience. Click here to see our den building training day
Forest School Kit
Children will get very muddy and dirty – but they’re meant to and they will have fun! The children need warm, waterproof clothes for outings into the forest:
- waterproof trousers and coat
- wellington boots or walking boots
- long trousers and long-sleeved tops, regardless of the weather
- if cold, a hat and gloves, thermals (optional). If warm, suncream.
- a water bottle and a mug in winter
On Forest School days, children need to bring their named Forest School kit in a separate named bag.
