LOtC
What is our vision for Forest School at St Mary of the Angels?
- To nurture our children’s love of, and appreciation for, God’s creation
- To develop children’s understanding of stewardship
- To provide opportunities for children to develop and have fun in a safe and stimulating environment
- To facilitate children’s understanding of risk taking, choice making and ownership of their own learning
Learning Outside the Classroom
Learning outside the classroom is an integral part of the curriculum at St Mary's. We place high value on enabling children to get outside and experience their learning in a natural environment.
Forest School is an inspirational learning journey, which offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in our woodland and natural outdoor environment. In addition, we have expanded our Forest School provision beyond our school site to local beauty spots - such as Rivacre Valley - and places of historical importance. In doing so, we instantly add flesh to the bones of our ambitious curriculum which underpins everything we strive for here at St Mary's.
What to wear during winter sessions:
- Base layer – long sleeve t shirt (or old pyjama top). You may want to double up in winter months.
- Mid layer – an old, warm jumper that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy
- Outer layer – a waterproof coat with a hood.
- Legs - tights, long johns, leggings, old pyjama bottoms and tracksuit trousers over the top. Waterproof trousers if possible
- Footwear – old trainers, walking boots or wellies are perfect
- Extras - a warm, woolly hat, gloves, and scarf.
What to wear during summer sessions:
- Base layer – preferably a long-sleeved t-shirt although a short-sleeved t-shirt may suffice if the weather is hot
- Outer layer – a thin, waterproof jacket or coat
- Legs – long tracksuit bottoms are essential. These help to avoid bites and stings during the summer months.
- Footwear – old trainers, walking boots or wellies are perfect
- Extras - a freshly filled water bottle, sun cream applied before school.
Please note above that long tracksuit bottoms are required during Forest School lessons in warmer weather. As noted above, this is as a safety precaution against bites, stings and splinters.