Forest School Fun at The New School
An Exeter pre-prep and nursery is celebrating the success of its newly launched Forest School. The New School, an independent setting based on the edge of the city caters for children aged 3-7 and has a strong reputation for blending academic excellence with a caring, family feel.
The school, which became part of the Exeter School family in 2021 sits in an acre of leafy space in the village of Exminster and has undergone extensive refurbishment during that period. Part of this renovation project has seen the outside space repurposed, with a new nature trail running around the boundary of the grounds and an outdoor classroom where the children take part in marshmallow toasting (and eating), rope swinging and campfire singing as part of the new Forest School.
Forest School, which originated in Scandinavia, was widely adopted in Denmark in the 1980s and has rapidly grown in popularity in the UK. It sees children learning and playing in the fresh air no matter what the weather - and The New School ensures pupils are fully prepared with wellington boots and overalls.
The weekly sessions, which promote self-esteem, creativity and independence are led by qualified Forest School practitioner, Caroline Smyth, enable supported risk-taking, child-centered learning, exploration and play allowing children to develop critical skills and a lifelong love of nature. Sessions can be linked to the curriculum and further developed back in the classroom, enabling children to make stronger links between subjects and really bring learning to life.
Caroline Smyth said: “I’ve created a bespoke curriculum for our Forest School, enhancing the children’s knowledge of the outdoors in fun and engaging ways. Over the course of this term, we will be learning about looking after and maintaining tools and how to use them safely, fire lighting and campfire cooking, crafts, shelter and den building plus we’ll investigate the flora and fauna we can find in the school’s grounds.”
Head of The New School, Dan Ayling said: “the children absolutely love their Forest School sessions and get a real buzz from spending time outdoors. This different learning approach gives all children the opportunity to shine and express themselves in different ways; it’s been overwhelmingly positive so far.”
Every session ends with hot chocolate and stories around the campfire - the highlight of the week for most The New School pupils.
For more information about The New School, or to arrange a tour, parents can visit www.thenewschoolexeter.co.uk or call 01392 307080.
