Forest School
At Thomas Hall School, our Forest School programme is a vibrant and immersive outdoor learning experience that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection with nature. Spanning from Reception through to Year 11, our curriculum is designed to grow with our students, offering age-appropriate challenges and opportunities for exploration, creativity, and environmental stewardship.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a child-centred, inspirational learning process that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions in a natural setting. It fosters confidence, independence, and teamwork while encouraging children to explore and learn through hands-on experiences in the woodland environment.
A Year-Round Curriculum
Our Forest School is structured around seasonal themes and developmental milestones. Each half-term introduces a new focus, blending practical skills with creative expression and environmental awareness:
- Autumn 1 – Identification & Harvest: Students begin the year by exploring the woodland, identifying plants and animals, and engaging in sensory activities like bug hunting and leaf pressing.
- Autumn 2 – Bushcraft & Survival: Children learn essential survival skills such as fire safety, shelter building, and knot tying, with increasing independence as they progress through the years.
- Spring 1 – Campfire Cooking: From marshmallows on sticks to Dutch oven crumbles, students experience the joy of preparing and sharing food outdoors.
- Spring 2 – Woodcraft: Pupils engage in safe tool use, crafting items like tree cookie necklaces, wooden mallets, and even stools, developing fine motor skills and craftsmanship.
- Summer 1 – Climate & Heritage: Lessons focus on sustainability, climate awareness, and local ecosystems, often culminating in educational visits to Dartmoor National Park.
- Summer 2 – Creative Arts: Inspired by nature, students create art using forest materials—leaf mandalas, clay sculptures, and large-scale installations—celebrating the beauty of the natural world.
Learning Through the Key Stages
From Early Years to Key Stage 4, each year group builds on the last, gradually developing skills in:
- Nature identification and observation
- Fire lighting and safety
- Tool use and woodcraft
- Cooking and nutrition
- Environmental awareness and action
- Creative expression through natural art
By Year 9, students are confidently leading their own projects, such as building shelters, cooking meals, and crafting furniture, all while deepening their understanding of ecology and sustainability.
Why Forest School Matters
Forest School at Thomas Hall is more than just outdoor learning—it’s a philosophy that values the whole child. It supports mental health, physical development, and social skills, while fostering a lifelong respect for the environment.
We believe that every child deserves the chance to learn in nature, and our Forest School programme ensures that this opportunity is woven into the fabric of their education.
