Outdoor Learning and Forest Explorers

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful outdoor environment and a Forest Explorer area. We aim to give every child the opportunity to experience and benefit from Forest Explorers during their time at Pembury. Children are offered the opportunity to take part in a range of learning experiences and outdoor activities. Activities vary according to the children’s interests but often include: nature related games, shelter building, tree climbing, nature hunts and ID, mud play, use of tools such as palm drills and knives – closely monitored with appropriate adult to child ratios, fire lighting skills and cooking over an open fire and singing campfire songs.

What is Forest Explorers?

‘Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.’ Forest School Association

Principles of Forest Explorers

1. Forest Explorers  is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
2. It takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world. We use our woodland classroom and surrounding meadow area and field.
3. We aim to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
4. We offer learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. It is run by a qualified Forest School practitioner who continuously maintains and develops their professional practice; Lindsey Challen is a primary school teacher with 20 years+ experience working with children and is a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader.
6. We use a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

Full principles and criteria can be found here – https://forestschoolassociation.org/full-principles-and-criteria-for-good-practice/

To view our designated Forest Explorers page with kit lists and photo gallery, please click here.