Forest School and Environmental Learning

What is Forest School and Environmental Education at The Coombes? 

The vision for our Forest School can be found here: Curriculum Vision

Forest School and Environmental Education is a central part of our offer here at The Coombes. We are very proud of our unique and beautiful environment and have carefully crafted a bush craft, horticultural and environmental and sustainability curriculum to maximise opportunities to learn outdoors, to learn about the outdoors and to spend time outdoors for all of our children across our school. 

Our curriculum is based on the Forest School ‘Six Core Principles’: long-term, nature, community, risk, holistic and leadership. We have also developed an Environmental and Sustainability Programme of Study and our children access this through cross curricular activities and our ‘Eco Days’ throughout the year.  

Forest School is a child-centred outdoor learning approach that takes place in natural environments such as woodlands or forests. Rooted in Scandinavian education practices, it encourages holistic development through regular, hands-on experiences in nature. Sessions are led by trained practitioners and are designed to foster curiosity, independence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. 

Throughout each year, children have the opportunity to experience different aspects of our Forest School, detailed in the Curriculum Overview below 

Whole School Curriculum Map

Impact on Wider Learning 

The child-led, exploratory nature of Forest School boosts enthusiasm for learning and encourages self-directed enquiry. Open-ended tasks develop critical thinking, innovation, and resilience. Outdoor, experiential learning appeals to visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learners—particularly benefiting those who may struggle in traditional classrooms. Though not focused on formal academics, Forest School builds foundational skills like concentration, cooperation, and perseverance that contribute to academic success. 

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Time in nature has been shown to lower cortisol levels and support emotional regulation. Through achieving challenges and taking risks, children develop a strong sense of self-worth. The emphasis on community nurtures empathy, communication, and social bonding. Regular movement in natural settings supports physical health and fosters a sense of calm and connection with the world. 

 

‘Eco Days’ 

Our ‘Eco Days’ are planned in line with the ‘Eco School Framework’ and the governments ‘Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for Education’. The Eco School Framework is a seven-step framework offering a way for our school to integrate environmental learning into the curriculum and everyday activities. It is also a fun and easy way to deliver a green curriculum and equip pupils with essential green skills for their futures.  

 

Awards 

We work with The RHS in their ‘Campaign for School Gardening’ and hope to achieve all 5 of their School’s Gardening Award. We offer our upper Key Stage two pupils the opportunity to achieve the ‘John Muir Award’. This award promotes environmental awareness and responsibility through hands-on outdoor experiences. Participants complete activities under four key challenges: Discover, Explore, Conserve, and Share, helping them develop a deeper appreciation for nature and their role in protecting it.