Forest School began in September 2005. Every child in the junior school is taught for a half a day a week outdoors throughout the year. During Forest School time the children will be introduced to a range of woodland skills, including the use of tools such as loppers and bow saws. They will be shown fire safety; they will identify trees, plants, birds and animals; they build shelters and collect firewood. Aspects of the National Curriculum are taught through Forest School including literacy, numeracy, science and geography. It helps to build independence in children and develop their self-esteem.
The school has 4 fully trained Forest School leaders, and with the 4 trained members at the infant school they make a strong and skilled team.
Forest School sessions are run at the Forest School base camp within the school's campus, in a large private woodland about a kilometre frrom the school and across the Torrington Commons.Occasionally we use RHS Rosemoor Gardens woodland.
Click on individual Year group links on the left side panel to see what the children are doing, and on "Other News" to find out what new is happening at Forest School.
Forest School Junior Rangers Appointed
Following the receipt of letters of application and formal interviews in front of three Forest School staff and two members of the School Council the following children have been chosen to be the new Junior Rangers.
Rory, Taren, Nathan E, Rosanah, Grace, Sophie, Katie W and Beth. They took up their responsibilities the week beginning October 1st.
On Monday October 1st, the first day of their new jobs as Junior Rangers, the team began work at 7:30am taking part in a live broadcast by Radio Devon as part of the BBC Autumn Watch event. They planted daffodil bulbs alongside the forest school base camp area.
Volunteer Helpers always needed.
Forest School runs best when there is a small adult to child ratio. When using tools such as bow saws and knives this needs to be 1:1. Our sessions can only go ahead with the help of volunteer helpers. We already have a dedicated band of parents, both mums and dads, who help out regularly but there is always room for more. If you can give up a regular afternoon every week, enjoy being outside and willing to learn new skills alongside the children then contact Karen Blease, the Forest School co-ordinator. We would be very pleased to have your help. Be prepared to have yourself police checked for working with young children. This is a legal requirement.
|
