by bel35 » Sun May 27, 2012 6:50 pm
A good friend went to the Open day yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. He said there were lots of good elements to offset the fact that it's a new school and therefore somewhat of a risk, but the main thing that impressed him was that it is going to be a 'Forest School'. I hadn't heard of these but my husband had read an article raving about how good they were and I Googled it - they're based on the successful Swedish system and apparently starting to gets lots of positive attention over here. This seems to be a good summary:
"Forest schools use the woods and forests as a means to build independence and self-esteem in school-age children. Topics are cross-curriculum (broad in subject) including the natural environment, for example the role of trees in society, the complex ecosystem supported by a wilderness, and recognition of specific plants and animals. However, the personal skills are considered highly valuable, such as teamwork and problem solving. The woodland environment may be used to learn about more abstract concepts such as mathematics and communication. Personal skills such as team-building, goal setting, planning and achieving, increasing cooperation to achieve goals, as well as reviewing and recognising own achievements are developed"
Now that could be great. But on the other hand it could be hype and a good marketing ploy. Does anyone have any more knowledge about this system or any views?
A good friend went to the Open day yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. He said there were lots of good elements to offset the fact that it's a new school and therefore somewhat of a risk, but the main thing that impressed him was that it is going to be a 'Forest School'. I hadn't heard of these but my husband had read an article raving about how good they were and I Googled it - they're based on the successful Swedish system and apparently starting to gets lots of positive attention over here. This seems to be a good summary:
"Forest schools use the woods and forests as a means to build independence and self-esteem in school-age children. Topics are cross-curriculum (broad in subject) including the natural environment, for example the role of trees in society, the complex ecosystem supported by a wilderness, and recognition of specific plants and animals. However, the personal skills are considered highly valuable, such as teamwork and problem solving. The woodland environment may be used to learn about more abstract concepts such as mathematics and communication. Personal skills such as team-building, goal setting, planning and achieving, increasing cooperation to achieve goals, as well as reviewing and recognising own achievements are developed"
Now that could be great. But on the other hand it could be hype and a good marketing ploy. Does anyone have any more knowledge about this system or any views?