At St Catherine’s, we believe that children learn best when they are given the freedom to explore, discover, question and experience the world around them. Our Forest School provides a special space where children can learn beyond the classroom, develop new skills and grow in confidence through meaningful experiences in nature.
We are incredibly fortunate to have our own dedicated woodland area within the school grounds. This wonderful outdoor space provides an ever-changing natural environment where children can explore, investigate, play and discover something new in every session.
At the heart of our Forest School is the belief that every child is unique, capable and full of potential. We value children’s natural curiosity and imagination, encouraging them to follow their interests, make discoveries and take ownership of their learning.
Through outdoor experiences, we aim to nurture happy, confident, independent and resilient children who develop a lifelong appreciation of the natural world.
At St Catherine’s, Forest School is much more than outdoor learning; it is an approach that celebrates childhood, curiosity and the individuality of every child.
We believe children should have the time, space and freedom to explore their interests, make their own discoveries and learn through first-hand experiences. Rather than always providing the answers, our practitioners encourage children to ask questions, experiment, investigate and find solutions for themselves.
Our approach is child-centred and play-based, with skilled adults carefully observing, supporting and extending children’s learning in response to their individual needs and interests.
We encourage children to challenge themselves, take appropriate risks and understand that making mistakes is an important part of learning. Whether they are
attempting something new, working together to solve a problem or discovering something unexpected, every experience helps to build confidence and resilience.
We want our children to develop a sense of belonging within their natural environment, learning to respect, appreciate and care for the world around them
St Catherine’s is fortunate to have access to a dedicated, secure woodland area situated within the school grounds. This provides a wonderful natural classroom where children can experience the changing seasons and develop a deeper understanding of the environment.
Our woodland is home to a variety of native trees and plants, including hawthorn, maple and ivy. These provide opportunities for children to observe seasonal changes, discover different habitats and learn about the wildlife and plants that share our outdoor space.
Within the woodland, we also have a designated fire pit area and a pond, offering further opportunities for exploration and learning under carefully supervised conditions.
The natural woodland terrain, including uneven ground, provides children with opportunities to develop physical awareness, balance and coordination as they navigate their surroundings.
Our outdoor environment is constantly changing. From autumn leaves and winter discoveries to spring growth and summer wildlife, every season brings new opportunities to explore, investigate and learn.
Forest School is a unique approach to learning that takes place in a natural outdoor environment. It provides children with opportunities to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills through regular, hands-on experiences in nature.
Children are encouraged to take an active role in their learning, following their own interests and developing ideas through exploration, play and discovery.
Sessions include a balance of adult-supported activities and child-led experiences. Adults carefully guide and encourage children, providing opportunities to extend their thinking while allowing them the freedom to explore independently.
Forest School is about the process of learning rather than simply completing an activity or producing an end result. It is about the excitement of discovering something new, the satisfaction of overcoming a challenge and the confidence that comes from trying something independently
Time spent outdoors provides valuable opportunities for children to develop skills that support them both in school and throughout life.
At St Catherine’s, our Forest School aims to nurture:
· Confidence and independence: Children are encouraged to make choices, develop their own ideas and take increasing responsibility for their learning.
· Resilience and perseverance: Children learn to face challenges, try new approaches and recognise that learning often involves trial and error.
· Communication and teamwork: Through shared experiences, children develop their listening, speaking, cooperation and relationship-building skills.
· Creativity and imagination: Natural materials and open-ended experiences encourage children to think creatively and explore possibilities.
· Physical development: Moving through the woodland supports balance, coordination, strength and spatial awareness.
· Emotional wellbeing: Time outdoors offers opportunities for enjoyment, exploration, calm and a sense of achievement.
· Environmental awareness: Children develop respect for nature and an understanding of the importance of caring for the world around them.
Above all, we want children to feel valued, capable and proud of what they can achieve.
Every Forest School session is an opportunity for new experiences, discoveries and learning. While activities may be introduced by adults, children are encouraged to develop their own ideas and explore their interests.
A session might include:
· Building dens, shelters and woodland hideaways.
· Exploring the pond area and discovering aquatic habitats under adult supervision.
· Searching for minibeasts and learning about different creatures.
· Collecting and investigating natural materials.
· Creating woodland artwork, patterns and sculptures.
· Exploring mud, water, leaves, sticks and other natural resources.
· Developing practical skills through carefully supervised activities.
· Listening to stories, sharing songs and using imagination in outdoor play.
· Observing trees, plants and wildlife throughout the seasons.
· Working together to overcome challenges and solve problems.
· Exploring fire safety and fire-related activities where appropriate and under trained adult supervision.
Sometimes, the most valuable learning happens spontaneously. A fallen branch, an unusual insect or a question about a tree can spark an exciting investigation that develops into a whole new learning experience.
We celebrate these moments and recognise that every child will take something different from their time in the woodland.
Although Forest School offers a different learning environment, it provides meaningful opportunities to develop skills and understanding across the curriculum.
English
· Sharing stories and developing storytelling skills.
· Building vocabulary through outdoor exploration.
· Creating nature-inspired poems and descriptions.
· Developing communication, listening and speaking skills.
Mathematics
· Counting, sorting and classifying natural objects.
· Measuring sticks, leaves and woodland structures.
· Exploring patterns, shapes and symmetry.
· Comparing quantities, lengths and sizes.
Science
· Investigating trees, plants and their life cycles.
· Exploring woodland and pond habitats.
· Discovering minibeasts and food chains.
· Observing seasonal changes and weather.
· Developing an understanding of living things and their needs.
Art and Design Technology
· Creating artwork using natural materials.
· Exploring texture, colour and pattern.
· Designing and building dens and shelters.
· Developing creative ideas through practical experiences.
Geography
· Exploring and understanding our local environment.
· Developing simple mapping and navigation skills.
· Observing weather and seasonal changes.
· Discovering different habitats and natural features.
Physical Development
· Developing balance and coordination across natural terrain.
· Exploring movement and navigating obstacles.
· Building strength, stamina and physical confidence.
· Developing awareness of space and surroundings.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
· Developing positive relationships and friendships.
· Learning to cooperate, share and take turns.
· Building self-esteem, confidence and independence.
· Developing patience, resilience and problem-solving skills.
· Learning to recognise and celebrate personal achievements.
A key part of our Forest School approach is helping children develop a meaningful relationship with the natural world.
By spending time in the woodland throughout the year, children begin to understand the importance of caring for their environment and respecting the plants, animals and habitats around them.
We encourage children to explore gently, look after their surroundings and understand how their actions can make a difference.
Through these experiences, we hope to nurture a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness that children will carry with them long after their time in the woodland.
We believe that children benefit from having opportunities to challenge themselves and experience manageable risks in a supportive environment.
At St Catherine’s, children are encouraged to develop their awareness, make decisions and understand how to keep themselves and others safe.
Our woodland is a secure, gated area, and all Forest School activities are planned with children’s safety and wellbeing as a priority. Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken, and activities are carefully supervised by adults.
Particular care is taken around our designated fire pit and pond area, which are only accessed under the direct supervision of adults.
We aim to help children develop an understanding of risk, make sensible choices and grow in confidence as they learn to navigate the natural world.
At St Catherine’s, we want every child to have the opportunity to experience the wonder of learning outdoors.
We value the muddy hands, curious questions, imaginative ideas, small discoveries and proud achievements that make Forest School so special.
We understand that learning does not always follow a straight path. Sometimes it comes from trying something new, sometimes from working together and sometimes simply from having the time and freedom to explore.
Our greatest hope is that children leave each Forest School experience feeling happy, valued and proud of themselves, with new skills, lasting memories and a growing love and respect for the natural world.
At St Catherine’s, we don’t just teach children about nature; we give them the opportunity to become part of it.
St Catherine’s Forest School Prayer
Thank You, God, for trees and sun,
Thank You, Jesus, for everyone!
For all the creatures, big and small,
We’ll care for them and love them all.
Help our hands be kind and true,
We’ll care for nature, just like You.
Amen
Follow our Forest Adventures on our dedicated Forest School Instagram account @stcathforestschool