LONGLEVENS Junior School : The Forest School

Back in September 2011, we reported on an Outdoor Centre which was being created at the Longlevens Junior School, under the supervision of teacher, Shane Gue. Now some two years later, after revisiting the aptly named “Forest School”, I can only describe the initiative as being a resounding success!

I met with Shane, who is now Director of Outdoor Learning at the school to see just how he and the school have managed to embed this initiative into the everyday life of everyone at the school.

Shane Explains about the Forest school ethos which developed originally in Sweden in the 1950’s before extending through the Scandinavia and other European Countries. The Forest School ethos focuses on providing a safe, outdoor environment where children and young people are freely allowed to explore, discover, take suitable risks and learn in a secure area of woodland, which acts as an outdoor classroom. This provides children and young people with endless opportunities to improve their educational, physical and social skills by bringing learning to life.

All of our pupils in the school take part in the lessons. These are held in the school grounds utilising the wooded area behind the Gloucester Schools football building and leading up to the pond area. Activities include pond dipping, shelter building, kite making, wood crafting, orienteering, fence weaving, fire building and much more. The children are encouraged to develop their decision making and independence whilst raising their self-esteem. All these activities are conducted in a supervised and risk free setting which in this age is quite an achievement in itself!

Outdoor classes take place in all types of weather and with this in mind the children even have their own Clothing guide for both Hot and Cold Weather. Sessions are designed to accommodate all children’s learning styles. The Forest School supports the five key areas of Every Child Matters (Safe; Healthy; Enjoy & achieve; Economic wellbeing; making a Positive contribution).

The development of the Children is monitored and shows that they gain a considerable number of benefits from the Outdoor Classroom which focuses on the all- round development of Child.

First and foremost it’s Fun! – Everyone is in agreement that all who participate enjoy it. It develops the whole child and encourages a variety of skills: co-operation, negotiation, decision-making, risk-taking and assessment of risk to self and others. Problem solving skills and creative thinking is also encouraged. Importantly, Self- esteem is raised and it is particularly beneficial to low academic achievers who have the opportunity to become high achievers and leaders in the Forest School - Outdoor setting. There is the opportunity to develop language and vocabulary through social interaction and finally it nurtures a respect and knowledge of their environment and each other!

With Government limits on School funding, it is appropriate to acknowledge the amount of funding allocated by both the school and the Friends of LJS in providing for the Upkeep and Welfare of the Forest School.

All- weather lessons for the children are very important and as such the Friends of LJS and the School itself funded the purchase of waterproof jackets and trousers for use during these sessions. These were a vital piece of kit and have helped to keep out the rain on numerous occasions! More recently the “Friends” have provided Tents and Hammocks at the Children’s request

Already the next stages of promoting and extending the Forest school have begun. The Longlevens Infants School and the PlayDays Group have been co-opted into the Forest School hierarchy. This will mean that a child may start Playgroup at 3 years old and from then until the age of 11 will have the benefits of the Forest school ethos included in their lives. What a wonderful opportunity for them!

We cannot finish this section without some comments from the Forest school “Users”:

“It lets you see nature and and helps you to understand what nature is really about, but in a funny way – not writing it down on paper” – Katelyn“

Getting muddy and finding insects and discovering things in the pond are what makes the Forest school fun for me!” - Cameron

“Ask my pupils what their favourite lesson of the week is and I’d put money on the majority of them saying Forest School” – Class Teacher

In developing a Safe, Secure and Learning environment for the Forest school, Shane stresses that the support of Head teacher Dave Smith has been paramount in ensuring the establishment and longevity of the initiative.

Finally, Shane, who is really passionate about his subject, believes that the only way ahead, is to educate our young people to take a caring approach to the environment. On that note let’s congratulate Dave, Shane and everyone involved with Longlevens Junior School for creating this tremendous asset for the Children within our Community.