Forest school term 1 ! Yr 3

We are very pleased to inform you that this term Year 3 will be taking part in ‘Forest School’ sessions at The Copse in Newington each Monday, starting on 7th September.

Forest School started in Scandinavia and is a way of learning in a woodland environment. It provides the space where people can develop socially, emotionally and physically through play, following individual and preferred learning styles. For more information, please visit http://www.forestschoolassociation.org/. At Ramsgate Arts Primary School Forest School, we will aim to nurture our children so that they can reach their full potential. We believe that it is vitally important to look at the whole child when considering their education and we think the holistic experience they receive as a member of our Forest School will equip them with the skills to become confident in their own abilities: in the classroom, outdoors and beyond. Forest School gives children the time and space necessary to develop the tools and skills to become resilient, independent and inquisitive learners.

Our core aim is to engage children in the natural environment and to have fun. As we all know, when children have a purpose to their learning and are fully engaged, they will achieve far more. In RAPS Forest School, the learning continues beyond the classroom. As Forest School is an all year round and all-weather activity (except in high winds), it is vitally important that the correct clothing is worn by children and adults alike. We ensure that all children are suitably clothed for all weather. As the site tends to be muddy even in dry weather, they should wear old clothing that can get wet or dirty. On Forest School Days children should not wear school uniform, they should come to school dressed in their Forest School clothes.

They will need:

Appropriate outdoor footwear (please bring a second pair of socks and change of shoes), long sleeve t-shirt &/or jumper, trousers (no shorts please), long sleeve fleece/jacket, sun hat and waterproof coat (we will be going even if it is raining) and waterproof trousers, water bottle.

Even with all this personal protective equipment, it is possible that children can get their clothes wet or dirty; therefore, in addition they also need to be provided with a change of clothes (this could be their school PE kit) and they must have a spare pair of shoes to wear in school rather than wellington boots.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in this.

RAPS Team