Hi, I’m Mrs Rounthwaite and I have been a Teaching Assistant in Bamburgh School for over 10 years now. I have always been passionate about the outdoors so when the opportunity came to train to become a Forest School leader, I took the challenge on. I have been constantly learning and adapting with our amazing children and young people which has cleared the path for a fantastic Forest School within our school grounds. I am so proud to be giving our children and young people experiences they will look back on with pride and happy memories. Many of our children now in year 11 often look back at all their exciting experiences in Forest School, right from Primary to leaving our school. No matter the weather, I remain committed to helping children and young people develop a strong connection to nature and our wonderful local environment.
Our Forest School offers a unique learning experience for children, allowing the children an opportunity to learn new skills, develop confidence and build on their self esteem. But more importantly it gives children a voice and an opportunity to be take ownership of their space. In Forest School all ideas from everybody are respected and valued. Children learn through hands on experiences in our unique outdoor woodland area. Their creativity is allowed to flourish and grow through curiosity and exploration.
The children are given the opportunity to take part in achievable challenges and tasks. Adhering to the Forest School Principles, these sessions take place regularly and in almost all weathers. During their time in Forest School, children will follow a Skills Passport which tracks their individual skill progression. They work on these skills throughout their time in Bamburgh School. The goal being to recall and complete these skills independently. A favourite across the school is our fire lighting and campfire cooking term when children will plan and cook food around the fire to share with their friends and the staff. This is always very popular with children, cooking anything from popcorn to pizzas. There is no greater joy than seeing a child master the flint and steele after weeks of trying. Lighting the fire for the group is always celebrated by everyone!
Playing and learning in an outdoor immersive environment offers our children a unique experience and supports them to become part of our Forest School community.
We follow the seasons and weather patterns so our children understand how we dress to enjoy the outdoors all year round. Enabling each child to dress for the weather conditions independently so these skills can be transferred at home. Our children take great pride in caring for our local wildlife making our Forest School a wildlife welcome space.
Every term I aim to send home a copy of your child’s Skills Passport so you can share their experiences with them and even encourage new ones at home.
Any questions or information you require regarding forest school please do not hesitate to contact me at Bamburgh School.
Type
Date added
