‘Forest School is an educational approach to outdoor play and learning.’

The Luccombe Hub Forest School is run by professionals, who are committed to the holistic learning and development of all participants.

This is achieved through regular sessions, which include woodland skills, games and activities, in an outdoor setting.

Forest School is divided into age groups 8-11 Woodland Wombles and 12-16 Woodland Warriors, focusing on bush craft and survival skills

Age-related activities can include searching for wildlife, climbing, building dens, creating natural art, map making, games, woodland skills, tracking, shelter construction, water purification. bread making, fire lighting, outside cooking, safe use of tools, spoon and tool whittling and coppicing.

Every session differs depending on ages, numbers of participants, season and weather. Sessions vary from group to group but generally Holiday Clubs and Term Time sessions run from 10am to 3pm or 12pm to 3pm

For more information on dates and costs of Holiday Clubs or Term Time sessions please contact Henri Monier-Williams.

  • Building confidence and independence.
  • Feeling empathy for others and nature.
  • Physical fitness.
  • Improved social, emotional and mental health. …
  • Learning by experience. …
  • Exposure to manageable risk.
  • Better sleep and mood
  • Self-awareness and respect for others
  • Intrinsic motivation
  • Empathy
  • Good social and communication skills
  • Independence
  • A positive mental attitude, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence
  • Opportunities to achieve nationally recognised (ASDAN) qualification.

What a session at Forest School looks like…

Forest School acknowledges and encourages all styles of learning and aims to enhance each child’s personal, social and emotional development whilst generating a lifelong love of the environment and the outdoors.

Every session differs depending on ages, numbers of participants, season and weather. Sessions vary from group to group but generally Holiday Clubs and term time sessions run from 10am to 3pm or 12pm to 3pm

The first session is about familiarisation with the Forest School area, setting boundaries and getting to know one another.

When everyone is ready, we will head off to the Forest School area, a short walk across a field.  A central log circle will be set up and this will be the main base and focal point of all activities. Learners are then encouraged to explore the area and help to set boundaries and make judgements about appropriate risks, with the support of the Forest School leader.

Free play and exploration allow learners to do whatever they prefer.  This could include searching for wildlife, climbing, building dens, creating natural art, map making, games, woodland skills, tracking or just sitting and watching others. The Leader will observe the different styles of play and behaviour and from this, ideas for future activities can be developed that will provide opportunities for further learning to take place.  Additional age-related activities can include shelter construction, water purification. bread making, fire lighting, outside cooking, safe use of tools, spoon and tool whittling and coppicing.

 

Sharing of experiences is encouraged, so after the first exploration, the group will come together for a drink and snack and to talk about their discoveries, followed by further activities. All sessions finish with a review in the log circle, which is an opportunity to reflect on and share what everyone has been doing and to plan the next session. The Forest School is then returned to its natural state before returning to the reception for collection.

Sessions are planned around the interests and focus of the group, using their skills to enhance their learning. Children become aware of their own strengths and take responsibility for their own learning while developing an awareness of the environment around them.