Two teachers from Belmont Primary School attended the OASES Forest School Leader Level 3 training, one from KS1 and the other from KS2, with the aim to embed this confidence-building approach across the whole school. They enjoyed 10 days of training in the Forest School ethos and hands-on activities, learning how to use tools and fires safely and how to adapt the approach for their own site. OASES also provided introductory training for the whole school staff as part of our Forest School Plus package, as well as working with two classes over six weeks to start the school off with their forest school delivery.
“This has been the best course and has clarified my view on teaching and learning. I enjoyed the practical activities in Hamsterley Forest especially cooking, tool use, fire. I will continue to teach Forest School. I was surprised how fun making a fire is!”
The OASES led sessions were active explorations of their school grounds incorporating shelter building, environmental arts and fires. The activities were great at keeping the children physically active throughout either exploring and running or reaching and stretching to put up shelters and carrying resources around the site. Using mallets to hammer in tent pegs for their shelters was a great physical activity that the children really enjoyed.
“I have witnessed first hand how Forest School helps to develop many lifelong skills for children. Comments from parents and the children suggest how much enjoyment and engagement my group received from Forest School. It was refreshing to see them enjoying nature, learning and having fun in our school grounds.”
