Forest School and Outdoor Learning

From September 2026, we will be increasing the amount of Forest School children experience and the scope within Forest School.  We are pleased to welcome to the team Mrs Firbank, an experienced teacher and forest school professional, who will be taking on Forest School and outdoor learning here at Rowlands Castle St John’s Primary School.

Children in Year 1 – Year 5, will now enjoy Forest School and outdoor learning every week, for the entire academic year!  Year 6 will enjoy Forest School and outdoor learning in the Autumn Term, Spring 1 and Summer 2 and Reception children will then experience it Spring 2 and Summer 1. 

The Curriculum

Teachers and Senior Leaders have been working hard to develop areas of our curriculum that will be enhanced by utilising our outdoor spaces.  This opportunity means that children can really be emersed in nature and have purposeful, hands-on learning in our incredible school grounds.  Forest School has always been a big part of our school ethos and we are delighted that we can now offer this experience to our pupils on a more regular basis.  We are truly excited to watch the children flourish within the forest environment.

What to wear

Children will need to bring wellington boots and waterproof coats in EYFS and KS1 as outdoor learning will occur regularly each week. Each class from Year 1 to Year 5 will receive Forest School and outdoor learning each week with Year 6 and EYFS experiencing it for at least 2 half terms.  They will be required to wear:

•          School uniform

•          Waterproof trousers and jackets

•          Wellington boots, trainers or walking boots

"The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky” 

 Margaret McMillan

Forest School – which started in Scandinavia – is all about enabling children to explore and experience the natural world through hands-on activities outdoors. The concept has proven to develop the self-esteem and confidence of pre-school children through activities that involve creativity, working together and child-led learning.

What are the benefits of Forest School?

As children explore the natural habitat, they become more in harmony with nature, bringing a sense of belonging and contentment. The core philosophy of Steiner and Froebel is the belief that nature, the rhythms of the earth and the cycles of life are essential for spiritual and physical growth.

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Forest School is also a place to assess risk in a safe environment. This challenging play helps develop self-confidence, competence, emotional resilience and a sense of independence. Without risk and challenge, children are at risk of losing their sense of aspiration and ambition.

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Activities will include:

• Exploring the woodland and making dens

• Getting messy and creative using natural material

• Planting and cultivating crops

• Balancing on slack lines

• Learning about fire safety through cooking on the fire

• Learning about insects, animals, plants and trees

• Working as a team and learning problem-solving skills through making dens and structures

• Learning about boundaries and risk assessment

• Learning about the natural environment and how their actions impact upon it

• Learning the safe use of tools, such as bow saws, knives and drills

Read more about Forest Schools

The school grounds:

Our School has the benefit of very large grounds which were transformed into an environment suitable for a wide range of outdoor learning activities. Within the grounds is a treehouse with two pods capable of accommodating 15 pupils. A woodland trail, peace garden, willow dome and outdoor musical instruments.