Forest School

At Kettleshulme St James we are extremely proud of the Forest School provision which we offer to all pupils across the school.

We value the dimension which Forest School sessions bring to our curriculum and more importantly, the way that the sessions enhance the experiences which they expose our children to.

Most importantly we value this dimension for ALL of our children, not just those in EYFS or KS1 or those who are disadvantaged. At Kettleshulme ALL of our pupils have the opportunity to take part in these sessions.

It is during these sessions that our children learn the true value of our natural environment, the importance of caring for it and also the skills to name the trees, plants, creatures and habitats around them.

In addition to this our children also use this opportunity to develop their confidence, resilience, connection with the outdoors and their ability to work as a team in a space where all academic restraints are removed - thus making everyone equal. 

Sessions for Forest Class take place in our Quiet Garden and around the edges of our school field.

Sessions for Meadow Class and Hillside Class take place at Clayton Christmas Tree Farm, which is a beautiful 15 minute walk away through the lanes of Kettleshulme.

During our sessions the children have the chance to:

Use a variety of tools

Complete challenges

Light fires

Prepare and cook a variety of campfire food

Explore and play

Gather around the fire

Reflect on nature and their environment

Work together

Solve problems

AND much much more!

Please take a few minutes to listen to this wonderful Forest School Poem

For more information about our Forest School curriculum please look at our Design and Technology page as we try to cover a number of the Design and Technology objectives through our Forest School provision.