Outdoor learning Wilsden Primary 2018

Forest Schools Is a long term process with frequent and regular sessions in a local natural space, not a one off visit. Takes place in a natural environment to support the development of a relationship with the natural world. Aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved Fosters resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. Builds on an individual’s innate motivation and positive attitude to learning Offers opportunities to take supported risks appropriate to the environment.

Impact of Forest Schools 8th November 2017 Forest school can contribute to the development of children’s collaborative learning skills, according to research by Loughborough University.  Initial findings suggest that engaging in a forest school can contribute to the development of collaborative learning skills by encouraging children to work with others on challenging outdoor activities, according to the researchers.

Wilsden’s Outdoor Area

Ideas! Turn one of the planter boxes into a bog! What we need? Someone who can fix the wooden box! People to help dig out the compost and lay a pond liner. Add sand Add water and water plants.

We need the water tub placing nearer the shed so it can collect the rain water. Relocating the smaller plant tubs, clearing out the old soil and weeds etc.

3 more planters that need weeding and a bit of TLC so that the children can start planting in them! The weeds and old soil etc can go in the compost bins…

… however the compost bins need a piece of wood to go on the front to keep the compost in! So we need some wood, and someone who can fix them!

We would like to collect lots of these wooden crates We would like to collect lots of these wooden crates. Firstly to build a wood storage shelter… This is because we would like to build a fire pit and will need lots of wood to burn! Secondly for the children to create a bug hotel! For this we could also use some spare bricks, if anyone has any lying around! The bricks could also help us to create….

A fire pit!

We have the benches already placed in a circle We have the benches already placed in a circle. We will need to pull up all of the black plastic from underneath them and get logs and bricks to form a safe fire pit area. We also need some kind of dish to create the fire in!

Tyre ideas

How can you help? Tyres Wood to fix things Wood to burn on the fire Tree stumps (does anyone know a tree surgeon?) Wooden crates Logs to protect the fire pit area Bark / woodchip Compost / soil TIME and labour to help us create a wonderful forest school area!

Funding… We do have a bit of a budget to go towards the forest school and are looking to buy an outdoor reading chair with a plaque dedicated to the Faucetts who kindly donated some money. I’m looking into a willow structure Andrew would like an old bus!

Feedback from parent forum Wilsden gardening association Garden centre Buzzy Bees of Bradford Friends of Wilsden Park Den building at St Ives Do on a weekend including refreshments Cub / scouts / rainbows etc Tracey Pepper Pallets – Xtex / MR’s brother St Ives estate (friends of St Ives estate – facebook) Tyres – Mrs Milne Advertise kids design posters, facebook, newsletter, plenty of notice, split between classes, visit oter schools. Think about ongoing maintenance Eco Schools Investors in Pupils

Next Steps in school Before Easter Each class to nominate a member to join the Faucett Forest Team. Arrange a visit to a local forest school. FFTeam to feedback to classes. Posters to be made to advertise what we need and when we plan to do it! Meeting with landscape gardener to look at plans