Fairway School

At Fairway, we appreciate the value of a holistic approach to education. Through our Forest School, we aim to imbue within our pupils an appreciation and respect for the natural environment through hands-on experiences and exploration, to develop their confidence, social and communication skills, and to encourage teamwork by engaging in outdoor activities. 

Delivery of Forest School is by our own dedicated staff who have Forest School Association training and hold to the key principles that shape and govern the Forest School ethos. There are many forms of outdoor education and all have enormous value, however, Forest School is unique in its reach, delivery and effect.  

• Develop physical strength and abilities, helping participants to stay active and healthy.  

• Heighten self-awareness and improve emotional and social skills.  

• Promote co-operative and group working.  

• Encourage participants to take care of themselves and others.  

• Foster care, appreciation and respect for wildlife and wild environments.  

• Broaden knowledge and understanding of the natural world. 

Activities for Forest Schools are diverse and numerous, they can be linked to National Curriculum subjects, but we endeavour to create independent learners who are inspired to try out their own ideas, explore their own interests and to attempt something new. Some activities might include:  

• Shelter building – using tarps, ropes or using collected wood for den making. 

• Fire lighting – with a flint. Preserving the ancient awe and wonder of making fire. 

• Tool use – developing skills and managing risk. 

• Studying wildlife – looking for detail in nature to identify different species of flora and fauna. 

• Playing team and group games - building personal, social and emotional wellbeing, improving self-value and mental health.  

• Sensory activities – senses are heightened in the forest and lessons are remembered and recalled due to multiple senses being used. 

• Tracking games - Learning about wildlife and appreciation of habitats. 

• Cooking on an open fire – Making simple, wholesome food that children will remember making and eating, forever! 

• Using a Kelly Kettle – Discovering the joy of hot water in a forest!  

• Rope and string work – knots skills, creative work. 

• Art and sculpture – being creative 

• Woodland and traditional craft – Using natural materials and learning traditional skills. 

• Developing stories and drama - They come to life and are often set in a woodland e.g., Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks..., We’re Going on a Bear Hunt...  

• Physical movement activities - developing gross motor skills.