Outdoor Education `& Forest School`

Outside learning is an opportunity for students to think creatively, explore new environments, and develop a deeper connection to the world around them.

At St Chris, nurturing a deep and meaningful connection between young people and the natural world is an important foundation for our learning. Not only does this help our students build a greater appreciation of the world around them, but our Forest School and Earth Education program is also constantly developing to reflect current and upcoming practices. The program’s child-centred and inspirational journey offers young minds the opportunity to flourish, build confidence, and enhance their self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a beautiful, dedicated natural environment.

`What is` Forest School?

Our Forest School is more than just a program and, over the years, has become increasingly embedded into our school culture. St Chris’ Forest School is a philosophy deeply rooted in respect for children and their inherent curiosity.

The concept of Forest School has its origins in Scandinavia, known for cherishing the 'friluftsliv,' or ‘free air life’. In 1993, Forest School made its way to the UK, quickly gaining momentum in schools and local communities.

At the heart of Forest School is the creation of a safe, judgment-free space where children can 'try stuff out,' take risks, and build their self-belief and resilience. We believe in nurturing individuals to become well-equipped to take on the world. Our supported risk-taking approach allows learners to expand their abilities by tackling real-world problems head-on.

Most recently in 2023, our Forest School provision extended to the Senior School and is being constantly developed to suit our pupils’ needs. The Senior School Forest School, called ‘Earth Education’ is founded on the same principles, but allows students to learn practical skills such as fire-making, outdoor cooking, learn about biodiversity and build great working relationships with their peers.

Student-led `Learning`

Junior School Forest School
Our unique Forest School area allows student-led learning to take place, encouraging pupils to manage the unexpected and overcome mental or physical obstacles. Our orchard setting at St Chris is central to this dynamic approach and enables unlimited stimuli and learning opportunities for pupils from our youngest learners in the Nursery to Year 6 (D Group). The changing seasons, the apple trees, the outdoor environment with its myriad of sensory experiences, and the layers of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance create a space where students can learn, explore, and appreciate the natural world. And perhaps most importantly, through play and outdoor exploration, children develop a deep connection to nature and understanding of their place within it. Our approach is guided by the six key Principles established by the Forest School Community: Frequent Outdoor Sessions: We maximize the learning potential of the outdoors throughout the year Nurturing Nature Connection: We foster a lifelong relationship with the natural world Child-Centric Learning: We build on a child's natural motivation to learn, allowing them to make choices and take supported risks Holistic Development: Our approach fosters resilience, confidence, independence, and creativity Creating a Sense of Belonging: Forest School promotes strong relationships within a secure and positive environment Qualified Leadership: Our Forest School sessions are led by qualified professionals who continuously develop their practice In the academic year 2023/24, our goal is to offer all children from Monte to F Group a weekly 2-hour Forest School session, with E and D Groups participating on a half-termly basis. This provision will be reviewed at the end of the year, ensuring that our commitment to Forest School continues to flourish. In the Junior School, Forest School learning is extended to those who have a particular interest in outdoor learning. Pupils can take part in ‘Be Green’ and Forest School afterschool clubs, headed up by our qualified Forest School team.
Senior School Environmental and Sustainability Studies
The overarching concept of our environment studies lessons is to provide experiential learning opportunities through practical activities in a natural setting. Student voice informs what is studied in our outdoor classroom. Activities include: Discussing and debating environmental issues “Apple Fest” (including making apple juice with the Junior School) Willow wreath making Constructing a shelter Fire lighting Foraging for edible herbs to make herbal tea Making bird feeders Constructing a tyre swing Learning to tie knots and how to apply them Art activities using air drying clay Den building “Rhubarb Fest” Students enjoy the freedom to explore the natural world, in all seasons and in all weathers; developing innovation, problem-solving, supported risk-taking, creativity and teamwork. In addition, students examine broader global concerns; including our role as individuals, as a school and as a community, in finding ways to act and live more sustainably.

Junior School Forest School

Content Page Gallery Image

Our unique Forest School area allows student-led learning to take place, encouraging pupils to manage the unexpected and overcome mental or physical obstacles. Our orchard setting at St Chris is central to this dynamic approach and enables unlimited stimuli and learning opportunities for pupils from our youngest learners in the Nursery to Year 6 (D Group). The changing seasons, the apple trees, the outdoor environment with its myriad of sensory experiences, and the layers of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance create a space where students can learn, explore, and appreciate the natural world.

And perhaps most importantly, through play and outdoor exploration, children develop a deep connection to nature and understanding of their place within it. Our approach is guided by the six key Principles established by the Forest School Community:

Frequent Outdoor Sessions: We maximize the learning potential of the outdoors throughout the year
Nurturing Nature Connection: We foster a lifelong relationship with the natural world
Child-Centric Learning: We build on a child's natural motivation to learn, allowing them to make choices and take supported risks
Holistic Development: Our approach fosters resilience, confidence, independence, and creativity
Creating a Sense of Belonging: Forest School promotes strong relationships within a secure and positive environment
Qualified Leadership: Our Forest School sessions are led by qualified professionals who continuously develop their practice

In the academic year 2023/24, our goal is to offer all children from Monte to F Group a weekly 2-hour Forest School session, with E and D Groups participating on a half-termly basis. This provision will be reviewed at the end of the year, ensuring that our commitment to Forest School continues to flourish. In the Junior School, Forest School learning is extended to those who have a particular interest in outdoor learning. Pupils can take part in ‘Be Green’ and Forest School afterschool clubs, headed up by our qualified Forest School team.

Senior School Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Content Page Gallery Image

The overarching concept of our environment studies lessons is to provide experiential learning opportunities through practical activities in a natural setting. Student voice informs what is studied in our outdoor classroom. Activities include:

Discussing and debating environmental issues
“Apple Fest” (including making apple juice with the Junior School)
Willow wreath making
Constructing a shelter
Fire lighting
Foraging for edible herbs to make herbal tea
Making bird feeders
Constructing a tyre swing
Learning to tie knots and how to apply them
Art activities using air drying clay
Den building
“Rhubarb Fest”

Students enjoy the freedom to explore the natural world, in all seasons and in all weathers; developing innovation, problem-solving, supported risk-taking, creativity and teamwork. In addition, students examine broader global concerns; including our role as individuals, as a school and as a community, in finding ways to act and live more sustainably.

`The Benefits` of Forest School

Students have access to new learning opportunities
The great outdoors is the ultimate classroom for children. There's a freedom and boundless opportunity in the natural world that can't be replicated indoors. At St Chris, we've observed children playing and learning outdoors exhibit more engagement, motivation, and purpose. They develop a positive attitude towards learning, and this then continues into their wider learning.
Young learners have the space to be themselves
In the natural environment, children are less inhibited, more willing to participate, communicate, and express themselves. Outdoor experiences, coupled with endless opportunities for creativity and imagination, have a profound impact on their lives.
An alternative and inclusive approach to learning
Forest School also encourages children who might struggle with traditional classroom settings. Hands-on tasks and outdoor activities engage them effectively. Our approach cultivates pupils to create positive values and attitudes about themselves, learning, and the environment. It provides time for self-reflection, enhancing interpersonal skills crucial for effective learning.
Building skills for life
Greater peer interaction, stronger relationships, and improved problem-solving abilities are some of the remarkable benefits of our Forest School and Outdoor Education program. Every child takes away something positive from the experience; no one can fail at Forest School.

The Past, Present, and Future `of Forest School at St Chris`

Forest School has been deeply ingrained in the Junior School curriculum for over 20 years, and outdoor education much earlier than this. Forest School recently became part of our Senior School curriculum. To suit the practical skills-based approach of the curriculum, this subject has been named Earth Education. Our extensive estate of over 25-acres of leafy green environment provides a perfect setting for these activities. The small orchard in the Junior School allows opportunities for pupils to climb trees, build ladders, play games and learn about the environment around them as the seasons change.

The Earth Education area in the Arunwood Ecocentre is a myriad of flora and fauna, with a forest area and open grasslands. Earth Education is currently being developed as a timetabled session for pupils in the Senior School and our staff and students are taking ownership of developing these sessions to support student wellbeing and needs. As we introduce outdoor learning more actively into the Senior School curriculum, we are also exploring other sites around the school grounds to provide a diverse woodland experience for pupils.