Cropredy School is committed to giving children the opportunity to learn in the outdoor environment. We believe that taking learning outside is good for promoting children's self esteem, well being, behaviour, co-operative learning and problem solving. These skills feedback positively into classroom work and other settings.
Outdoor Learning and
Forest School
"Forest School is an inspirational process, that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve
and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a
woodland environment." Forestry Commission, England.
We are proud to be able to offer Forest School to all the children at Cropredy CE Primary School. This specialised learning approach sits within and complements the wider context of outdoor learning that we offer all children.
As part of our Forest School enrichment for all children, we use the
Wild Passport approach (see link at bottom of page for more details)
The Wild Passport is a skill, knowledge and competency based outdoor learning curriculum and progression monitoring system.
Providing a five-year curriculum, the WILD Passport has 125 Learning Outcomes split over five separate competencies:
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Woodcraft
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Shelter
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Fire
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Nature and
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Rope.
This progressive programme provides a framework for evidencing learner progression and achievement, helping to justify the provision of outdoor learning opportunities for our children. The scheme enables us to take learners from the very foundations of woodland skills right through to an advanced level.
The WILD Passport programme helps us form a framework for skill acquisition, learning, independence, resilience and, more than anything else, ADVENTURE!
Organisation
We currently offer Forest School to all year groups in school. This enrichment experience is enjoyed in out hidden, wild wonderland at the bottom of the school field.
Forest School sessions are organised on a rotation basis, with each class having Forest School for one afternoon throughout a full term in school.
Each session will be approximately 2 hours and take place in all weather conditions (except lightning or strong winds).
The Forest School programme is led by our own Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader, Amanda Gibbard-Atherton.
Kit List for Forest School
If your child takes part in Forest School please ensure they have all of the correct kit in school on the right day - it is all for their own safety and they may not be able to take part without it.
Children will need to have:
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Sturdy boots or wellies
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Complete change of underclothes (warm layers throughout most of the year including hat and gloves for the winter)
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Waterproof trousers and waterproof coat
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Long sleeve top and trousers all year around
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Sun hat in the summer