Forest school fun for Ramsgate Arts Primary children.
A group of young children from Ramsgate Arts Primary have been enthralled in their latest learning adventure.
The Year 1 group has been inspired by life under the trees at the Newington Copse with weekly visits involving a range of activities and fact-finding about their environment.
Teacher Jess Barnes said: “Forest School supports the holistic development of children. Over the course of our sessions our pupils have developed confidence, problem solving, language and communication skills, perseverance, physical skills and enhanced their well-being.
“We started with exploring the beautiful woodland and discussing what we could see and hear. We were also mindful of the potential dangers in the woods – we used ‘hazard’ signs to highlight the areas that could be dangerous including trip hazards, thorns, berries and low branches.
“On our next session the children created fairy bracelets and enjoyed getting muddy in the mud kitchen. They have also learned how to safely use peelers to whittle sticks to make our own wands.
“Our visits concluded with magical memories around a fire where our pupils toasted marshmallows and had a hot chocolate as a tasty outdoors treat.
“The children have thoroughly enjoyed being in the woods and it’s been great to see them flourish in a different environment.”
The forest school idea is based on a Scandinavian concept of embracing the outdoors, giving children a wonderful and rare opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors in a safe, secure and hands-on woodland environment all year round.
Head of RAPS Nick Budge said: “It is a valuable aid to our learning programme at RAPS.
“The children always bring the skills they have learnt back into the classroom and continue the learning in the school setting.
“Forest School has underpinned our various teaching methods in a number of ways and it helps inspire creativity and imagination, and motivates communication.”
Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.
*For more information, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847