At Callis Grange we are very proud of our Forest School Zone! We use this area all year round to learn specific forest school skills and also support our learning in other areas of the curriculum!

Specific Forest School Skills

Term 1

All classes in Key Stage 1 experience working in teams building their own story tents. Later in the year the children will extend these skills into knot tying and den building.

Have a look at the photos to see the exciting learning that takes place.

Term 2

The children apply their tent building skills from Term 1 to make their own outdoor dens made from just tarpaulin and ropes. To help them with this, they also learn how to tie different types of simple knots. Everyone enjoys this and the children become very competitive.  Once they are finished the dens are waterproof tested with the children inside!

Term 3

In Term 3 the children experience the obstacle trail. They are required to work in pairs. One child will wear a blindfold and the other children will guide them around the trail giving instructions as they go. This activity encourages the children’s communication skills and develops trust.

“We love the blindfold trail because it’s fun and challenging” Annie and Carter Year 2.

Term 4

In Term 4 the children go on a minibeast hunt. They are taught how to carefully and respectfully search for insects without disrupting their natural habitat. They learn to record their findings and study insects using magnifying glasses and containers.

“We found some worms and beetles. We learn learnt how to keep their habitats safe.” Aiden and Mia.

Term 5

The children take part in a nature walk. They identify, search for and identify different types of flora and fauna within Forest School. They also learn how to measure the ages of trees. This is always a fun collaborative experience and the children are always surprised at how old our trees actually are!

Term 6

The children begin to learn how to make a fire safely and the rules of conduct for when they are using fire. These sessions include cooking basic foods such as marshmallows and popcorn. Children are never left unsupervised during these sessions and all the teachers are fully trained in how to deliver these lessons in a safe and fun way. The children do love their S’mores!

The Callis Grange Gruffalo

We have our own Gruffalo sculpture at Callis Grange. He was sponsored by the Rotary Club, Waitrose and parents by supporting our Greedy Gruffalo Cake Sale.  He was designed and carved by Bruk the Tree Surgeon. He was a huge part or Forest School for many years. However, due to exposure to the elements, he went into early retirement and you can now find him relaxing by the pond at the front door.

Manor House Forest School

Every year our Year 1 children visit the Manor House Forest School and have fantastic experiences…and lots of fun! Click below…

What is a Forest School?

A Forest School is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences.

By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills.

Forest Schools have demonstrated success with children of all ages who visit the same local woodlands on a regular basis and, through play, have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and, most importantly, to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Forest School programmes run throughout the year, going to the woods in all weathers (except for high winds). Children use full sized tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, establish and grow in confidence, self-esteem and become self motivated.

Forest Schools aim to develop:

• Self awareness
• Self regulation
• Intrinsic motivation
• Empathy
• Good social communication skills
• Independence
• A positive mental attitude, self-esteem and confidence

A Forest School, through its application of Accelerated Learning techniques creates a unique learning vehicle that is used to encourage a range of individuals, community groups and larger organisations to utilise their local open space for interactive play, health, recreation and personal development uses.

Children, and more and more adults, need time to thoroughly explore their thoughts, feelings and relationships. This time and reflective practice develops understanding of the world, the environment and everything within it through the use of emotions, imagination and senses.

At Callis Grange we fully support the Forest Schools ethos and aim to provide as many children as possible access to such a beneficial and stimulating learning environment.