News Blog

 

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen our school values and ensure every pupil achieves their very best, WGPS is excited to announce the rollout of our very own Forest School. Whatever the weather, we plan to venture out into the local forest surroundings as well as our own forest area on site, so that all year groups can benefit from the educational and wellbeing value of Forest School.

In today’s busy world, with the demands of timetables and structured activities pulling our children from one activity to the next, Forest School allows the opportunity to be carefree. Although the natural environments used may vary significantly, they all focus primarily upon how the outdoors can offer an enabling environment with endless opportunities for children to explore, be curious and creative.

Whether the challenge is a team game like hide and seek or a construction task such as den building, the Forest School ethos is child-led and holistic. The children are free to explore and decide how to engage; hunting for minibeasts, tree climbing, identifying leaves, hauling logs, craft activities or even inventing their own games. Risks are taken, struggle is welcomed and bravery is rewarded simply by getting involved.

Forest School empowers children to step out of their comfort zones; a place where child-initiated play provides the building blocks for children’s development. There is an undeniable sense of adventure as they explore the outdoors, work collaboratively in groups and problem-solve in an environment outside of the traditional classroom. It fosters the foundation for self-reliance and confidence that can then be applied to further challenges in the future. We can’t wait to see it all unfold!

 

Mrs Morrissey - Foundation One Teacher