Pupils from St John’s First School visit Forest School in Wimborne.
Desks have been swapped for logs and climbing frames for trees as one Wimborne school takes lessons out into the great outdoors.
Every week the new Reception children at St John’s First School, which is part of Wimborne Academy Trust, are spending part of their lessons deep in the woods.
The little ones are attending the town’s Forest Garden for specialist Forest School sessions.
Head of School, Katharine Anstey, explained: “Forest School is a specialised learning approach using the outdoors to compliment classroom teaching.
“It is a truly inspirational experience for the children who absolutely love it.
“The Forest School offers them regular opportunities to develop confidence, self-esteem, problem solving, risk taking, creativity and teamwork.
“This is all achieved through hands-on learning experiences in a natural woodland environment in all seasons and in all weathers.”
Pupils from St John’s First School visit Forest School in Wimborne.
The weekly sessions are led by a fully trained Forest School Leader in addition to the children’s usual class teacher and teaching assistants.
Even on their first visit the St John’s children were getting stuck in to outdoor learning.
They were swinging on a tree tyre, getting mucky in the mud kitchen and making their very own hill to climb.
And now the children will continue their outdoor pursuits throughout their first year at school.
Pupils from St John’s First School visit Forest School in Wimborne.
St John’s First School still has a few spaces in its Reception class for this year. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the school on 01202 883675 or attend the school’s open day on October 6.
Note to editors: St John’s First School is one of seven First and Middle schools in Wimborne Academy Trust (WAT), along with Allenbourn Middle School, Colehill First School, Hayeswood First School, Merley First School, St Michael’s Middle School and Witchampton First School.
WAT was formed in March 2015 and all of its academies are rated either Good or Outstanding.
For more information please contact Rachel Read, account director at Deep South Media on 01202 534487.
