Hightown Primary School enjoyed the activities of the forest School when they paid a visit to the Youth Options Outdoor Learning Centre in Bishopstoke. They are pictured with youth support workers Casey Taylor and Jon Sharps.
Youngsters from a Southampton primary school are taking part in a month-long project to enrich their learning in the great outdoors.
Every Friday, the eight and nine year-olds from Hightown Primary School are attending a special ‘forest school’ in Bishopstoke where all their learning occurs outside.
Run by the organisation Youth Options, the Year 4 pupils are engaging in a wide-range of activities, from den building to cooking on campfires.
Headteacher, Sian Cook, said: “The children love forest school and are already learning so many new skills.
“Being out in nature is really inspiring them. It’s wonderful for their well-being, connects them with the natural environment and really impassions them for a day’s learning.”
During the forest school sessions the children work as a team, helping to build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Under adult supervision they make outdoor objects such as leaf presses and wooden mallets, using tools such as a hacksaw and bow saw.
They have baked Bannock bread and made themselves hot chocolate on the campfire.
The project being delivered is the John Muir award, an environmental scheme supporting people to connect with, enjoy and care for nature.
Hightown Primary School is part of the Hinkler Academies Trust along with Kanes Hill School.
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