Forest School
Forest School
We are extremely lucky to have a Forest School on site. Mrs Gleave and Mrs Best are our talented teachers and they love taking groups of children out to learn about the outdoors.
Children visit Forest school from Nursery up to Primary 7 and follow the six guiding principles of the Forest School Association:
Principle 1:
Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
Principle 2:
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Principle 3:
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Principle 4:
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Principle 5:
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Principle 6:
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
Our children take part in lots of exciting activities such as den building, campfires, planting bulbs and trees, learning about the local wild life to even how birds migrate!
The children are provided with waterproofs and wellingtons if they are needed and will venture out in all weathers!
It is a great way of our children to develop social and communication skills along with team work and empathy.
At Fort Hill IPS, Forest School is a vital part of our outdoor learning ethos, offering children regular opportunities to explore, discover and grow in our beautiful natural woodland environment. We are so fortunate to have such picturesque surroundings at Fort Hill IPS that lend itself to these activities. Rooted in the principles of child-led learning, Forest School encourages the development of these through hands-on experiences in nature which is delivered in our school from Nursery right through to P7. Whether it's building dens, identifying wildlife, or toasting marshmallows around a campfire, pupils develop essential life skills while deepening their connection to the natural world.
We are extremely proud to be formally associated with the Northern Ireland Forest School Association which recognises our commitment to high-quality outdoor education.
Running alongside and complimenting our Forest School culture is our commitment to Eco-Schools. This empowers pupils to take an active role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. We have been working with the internationally recognised programme led by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and through this have given pupils opportunities to engage with the topics of recycling, energy conservation and biodiversity enhancement.
Our school has proudly achieved the prestigious Green Flag Award which reflects our dedication to the detailed seven-step framework, which includes forming a pupil Eco Committee, conducting environmental reviews, and implementing action plans. We are passionate about pupils leading the way in making our school greener.
We are incredibly lucky at Fort Hill IPS to have a dedicated and experienced teacher, Mrs Best, who leads our gardening clubs each year. This gives the children invaluable life experience with the natural world and knowledge with planting, growing, and harvesting.
