Forest School

Our Forest School Coordinator is Christie Burke who has completed the L3 Forest School Leader qualification, enabling Christie to set up and run a Forest School Programme.

Forest School is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

There are 6 key principles to Forest School which ensure this approach is shared and used appropriately.

It is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review.
It takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
It uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
It aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
It offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
It is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

At the Richard Barnes Academy, Forest School currently takes place at Key Stage 1 - Key Stage 3.