Ashwicken Forest School at Ashwicken
At Ashwicken CE Primary School, we are very fortunate to be surrounded by the natural beauty of Leziate wood. The children have plenty of opportunities each day to play and explore within the trees, building dens and creating games, using the natural materials they find.
Forest School is a special part of our Christian school because it offers children meaningful opportunities to connect with nature while living out our values of caring for each other and the world. Through exploring the outdoors, taking safe risks, climbing trees, and engaging in hands-on activities, children develop physically, socially, and emotionally. They learn to work together, solve problems, and support one another, strengthening friendships and community. Forest School’s ethos of curiosity, respect, and independence nurtures a love for God’s creation and teaches children the importance of stewardship, compassion, and care in all aspects of life.
We incorporate Forest Schools into our curriculum and have staff trained to Level 3 - Certificate for Forest School Leaders.
Advantages of Forest School
Government research suggests Forest Schools make a difference in the following ways:
- Confidence: children had the freedom, time and space to learn and demonstrate independence
- Social skills: children gained increased awareness of the consequences of their actions on peers through team activities such as sharing tools and participating in play
- Communication: language development was prompted by the children’s sensory experiences
- Motivation: the woodland tended to fascinate the children and they developed a keenness to participate and the ability to concentrate over longer periods of time
- Physical skills: these improvements were characterised by the development of physical stamina and gross and fine motor skills
- Knowledge and understanding: the children developed an interest in the natural surroundings and respect for the environment
