Wonderwood Forest School

Forest School Leaders: Mrs Mitchelmore, Mrs Colomb and Miss Needham.

Weekly Forest School sessions will last approx. 1- 1 1/2  hours, depending on the group.  We aim to give children  as much time as possible in each session. During these times there will be time to play some games, use tools, make dens, leave trails, go on scavenger hunts, make environmental art, cook on fires, develop existing skills and learn new ones…

What is Forest School?

The guiding principles of Forest School have been developed over time, based on a foundation of outdoor learning going back to the 19th century. Philosophers, naturalists and educators from Europe and the UK, from this period onwards, contributed to what is today recognised as Forest School.
​The Forest School Association website provides detailed information about the history of Forest School see: http://www.forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/
It defines Forest School as: ‘an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.’

Forest School sessions form an integral part of the broad, balanced curriculum we offer here at Totternhoe CE Academy, and take place as part of our timetabled learning, outdoors.

Forest School offers opportunities  to experience the natural environment, in nearly all weathers, and all year round,  where children learn through practical activities in the outdoor environment.   

​In Forest School, children will develop  skills of independence , perseverance and resilience.  They will develop social and communication skills  in teamwork and cooperative tasks, have freedom to explore, make choices,  take calculated risks, develop skills in  using tools and  explore being creative in our Wonderwood area.

Forest School activities will enable the children to enhance and deepen their understanding across the curriculum, particularly in science, art, DT, maths, geography and literacy.
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Mental well-being has been found to improve when more time is spent in the freedom and space of the outdoors.

Forest School 2023 - 2024

Our Forest School timetable has been planned to  accommodate timetabling of  other curriculum areas through the year, and  to give groups opportunities to experience the outdoors and the Wonderwood environment in different seasons.
All year groups will have some sessions throughout the year.  
Proposed timetable: (subject to change)
Key Stage 2 Timetable:

Autumn 1: Year 4

Autumn 2: Year 4

Spring 1: Year 3

Spring 2: Year 3

Summer 1: Year 5

Summer 2: Year 6

EYFS/Key Stage 1 Timetable:

Autumn 1: Year 1

Autumn 2: Year 2

Spring 1: Early Years

Spring 2: Early Years

Summer 1: Catch up sessions

Summer 2: Catch up sessions

​Mrs Colomb leads sessions for EYFS & KS1 and Mrs Mitchelmore leads sessions for KS2.