Forest School

At Branfil we introduced Forest School to our curriculum in 2020.

Forest School is a child centred, holistic approach to learning that takes place in a natural setting. We are currently developing an area of our school site to use for our Forest School sessions and also make use of the woodland area just outside our school gate. 
Whilst at Forest School children participate in an exciting and engaging range of games and activities and through these children will be supported with developing their self-confidence and self-esteem, social skills, physical skills, creativity, resilience and perseverance. We strongly believe in the benefits of Forest School, which is supported by many studies into the positive effects of children spending time in nature and it is an exciting opportunity for children to learn beyond the classroom. 

Currently Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 have two half term blocks of Forest School throughout the school year and Year 3 have the opportunity to go to Forest School every other week for a term. In addition to regular sessions, Mrs Ferguson and Mrs Gafford also run a Forest School breakfast club during the Autumn and Summer terms for invited pupils in Year 4, 5 and 6. This year we are also running a Forest School holiday club over the Easter break for our older pupils. It is our aim to involve as many children in Forest School as we can, as we are so passionate about the positive impact Forest School can have on our learners. 

Have a look below to see what has been going on at Forest School recently!