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Forest Schools

Subject Lead : Mrs Barrington-Brookes

Fun facts about Mrs B-B:

I am a grade 8 flautist and play the piano too. This was the subject I studied whilst at University.
I am a competent swimmer and used to be part of the Walsall Artistic Swimming Team - competing in many competitions and performing in several shows over the years. I also received the endeavour trophy, which is displayed in a cabinet at Walsall Gala Baths.
I love all sorts of animals. However, a favourite of mine are giraffes - so much so, that I had the opportunity of being a zookeeper for the day; looking after the Giraffes at Chester Zoo.
My love of the outdoors has steered me into training for a new qualification - as a Forest School leader. I’ve completed my first part of my training and look forward to sharing my love for the environment and outdoors with children of all ages.
I am passionate about teaching and love to see children succeed in every way.

What is Forest School?

"Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers

opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term

programme that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It

develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired,

hands-on experiences in a natural setting. " The Forest School Association.

Forest School uses a holistic curriculum which focuses on the needs of its

participants. It endeavours to develop a child holistically by fostering their

psychological, emotional, moral, spiritual, and physical growth. Some of the

goals of the holistic curriculum are to cultivate a love for lifelong learning

and facilitating connection with others in society (as well as the natural

world).

Being outside with nature, offers great opportunities for growth and

development and the Forest School practitioner produces lesson plans that

build on what the environment which it already supplies. At the end of each

session the participants take part in a reflective, review process which helps

creates self-awareness' and conscious growth.

Exploratory learning allows individuals to take controlled risks, builds inner

confidence, determination and self-esteem. In addition, Forest School

encourages independent and creative learners because of its supportive,

equal and holistic approach. It allows its client group to believe that they can

create their own learning, follow their own interests and become

independent.

Nature provides Forest Schools with the rich, diverse activities and

opportunities for learning, so environmental identity and sustainability are

central to all that takes place. Moreover, participants learn how to support

and nurture eco-systems; how to sustainably manage woodland areas;

name and identify local flora and fauna and develop a deep rooted

connection, respect for the environment and the natural world that are

intrinsically part of.

At Cooper and Jordan, the sessions will always be varied in form and content, as it will be adapted to

suit the learner, season, weather and emotions of the group. The

everchanging pattern of the natural world will be celebrated, thus making

each Forest School session magical and full of exploration and discovery.

With every new experience, the participants will be given the opportunity to

choose activities, lead their own learning and follow their own interests -

making each Forest School encounter all about their discovery.