What Does A Forest School Look Like?

Forest schools offer a unique approach to education that prioritises outdoor, hands-on learning over traditional classroom instruction. These schools aim to connect children with nature while fostering personal, social, and academic growth through experiential activities. But what exactly does a forest school look like, and how does it operate?

The Outdoor Classroom: Nature as the Primary Learning Environment

This private school in Surrey suggests that at the heart of a forest school is the outdoor classroom—a natural environment like a forest, woodland, or park where children spend the majority of their time. Unlike traditional schools with desks, whiteboards, and enclosed walls, a forest school uses the natural landscape as both the setting and the material for learning. Trees, streams, rocks, and even the weather become tools for exploration and education.

Children at a forest school are encouraged to engage with their surroundings. They might climb trees, build shelters from branches, observe wildlife, or explore the properties of soil and water. This hands-on, unstructured play is a critical aspect of the forest school philosophy, as it allows children to learn through direct experience and fosters a deep connection with the environment.

A Typical Day: Freedom, Exploration, and Guided Learning

A day at a forest school is often less structured than in traditional educational settings, but it follows a rhythm that balances free play with guided activities. The day typically begins with a group gathering where the children and educators discuss plans, set intentions, and review safety guidelines.

After the initial gathering, children are given the freedom to explore the environment at their own pace. They might choose to investigate a particular area, collaborate on building projects, or engage in imaginative play. Educators are present to facilitate learning, provide resources, and ensure safety, but they largely act as guides rather than instructors.

Mid-morning, there may be a more focused activity or learning experience. This could be anything from a lesson on local flora and fauna to a practical skill like fire lighting or tool use. These activities are designed to build specific skills, encourage teamwork, and deepen the children’s understanding of their natural surroundings.

The day often concludes with a reflective session where the group comes together to share their experiences and discuss what they’ve learned. This closing circle fosters a sense of community and helps children articulate their thoughts and feelings about the day’s adventures.

The Role of the Educator: Facilitator and Guide

In a forest school, the role of the educator is distinct from that in a traditional classroom. Rather than delivering structured lessons, educators in forest schools act as facilitators who support and guide the children’s natural curiosity. They observe, ask open-ended questions, and encourage children to think critically and independently.

Educators are also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. This involves assessing risks, setting clear boundaries, and providing guidance on how to interact with the natural environment safely and respectfully.

The Learning Outcomes: Beyond Traditional Academics

While forest schools may not focus on conventional academic subjects in the same way as traditional schools, the learning outcomes are profound. Children develop resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills through their interactions with the natural world. They also gain a sense of independence, as they are often encouraged to take on responsibilities and make decisions about their activities.

Moreover, forest schools foster a deep appreciation for the environment, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship from a young age. This connection to nature can have lasting impacts, influencing how children interact with the world throughout their lives.

A forest school looks very different from a traditional classroom, but it offers a rich, holistic educational experience that nurtures the whole child. By immersing children in nature and giving them the freedom to explore, forest schools cultivate lifelong learners who are curious, resilient, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Collaboration.