Outdoor Learning
“The best classroom and the richest classroom is roofed only by the sky”
~Margaret McMillan, 1925
Forest School Intent
By the end of a child’s journey at Beanfield, they will have experienced a broad range of outdoor activities. In teaching teamwork and social skills through having fun, it is our aim to deepen young people’s appreciation of nature and the environment; to develop an awareness of conservation, unity and respect through nature related activities; to help them grow as community minded young people.
Forest School Implementation
Forest School coverage now encompasses all age groups of learners at Beanfield Primary School from Nursery to Upper Key-stage Two. Children are selected to attend based upon Wellbeing need, via a discussion between the teacher, phase lead and wellbeing team. Priority is given to children with social, emotional or behavioural need.
Sessions are planned based upon an overarching year plan of ‘Growing Together’, where we focus on routines and safety, social and team-working activities. We progress onto a Term of ‘Finding a View’ where we focus on using equipment and the skills for exploring and interacting with our outdoor learning spaces. In the final term we move onto ‘Brave Explorers’ where children take on more emphasis for independent work and teamwork, with minimal adult intervention. Where possible we build on child led threads of interest, and provide a flexible curriculum to ensure children’s voices and interests are heard, as well as time given to work through development areas.
The type of activities children participate in are:
Conservation Projects
Woodland Identification
Campcraft / Bushcraft Skills
Tool Safety
Shelter Building
Backwoods Cookery
Physical, mental, problem solving and team games