Forest School

Outdoor Learning

Here, at The Prep, we are passionate about outdoor learning, particularly as our large 20 acre site borders Knole Park (1,000 acres); we have a dedicated Forest School and wonderful Outdoor Learning areas within our school grounds, that we take full advantage of throughout the year.  Forest School is an initiative which originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s, which aims to increase the understanding and appreciation, particularly among young people, of the environmental, social, and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests.  This is very much a part of our ‘Way of Life’ and something we fully embrace across the school.

We incorporate the Forest School principles within our own outdoor learning ethos.  Classes from Nursery to Year 6 enjoy regular opportunities to learn in the great outdoors. Being outside is essential for healthy development as this energy provides children with invaluable experiences that can directly influence their physical and emotional development, social skills and creativity. By taking learning outside, connections are made between experiences and can often enhance cognitive development to the links, understanding and associations made. Plus, it is just great to be out playing in the rain, snow and sun!

Our three main sites comprise of The Forest, The Chippings and The Nature Trail, we also have other dedicated sites throughout the school.

• The Forest is our largest site where you will find the billowing parachute over the covered fire pit providing a cozy area for storytelling, food preparation, fire building and tool use.  At this site there is the opportunity to safely climb trees, take a voyage in the pirate ship or a slide down ‘muddy mound’.
• The Nature Trail is a path of discovery, never knowing what wildlife you will come across!  There is so much to explore including the wildlife within the bird hide, pond, bug houses but to name a few.
• The Chippings is the home of our child made eagles nest, den building and often an area where pupils learn how to use tools safely including bow saw, bill hook, sheath knife and palm drills.

The combination of outdoor learning and teaching is energising for both our staff and pupils, often leading to enlightening and enriching moments for the children.  Our ethos on learning in the outdoors is a core part of our curriculum, complementing other areas of school life. The discoveries that we make beyond the boundaries of the classroom often follow us back inside, fostering inquisitive minds and building children’s self-esteem when they simply ‘have a go’.

We go out in all weathers, only dreadful windy storms stop us from venturing far from the gardens; we particularly love rain, snow and windy play here! Our philosophy is that we want the children to thrive, not just survive - it is about learning to dance in the rain! Life will throw us problems and situations to deal with so by learning to “weather all weather” we develop resilience, confidence and ‘can do’ attitudes.