Forest School

School trips

FOREST SCHOOL

WORDS BY Mrs Rebecca Russell, Forest School Leader

Despite our stunning nature reserve at Ickwell not being open for day trips this year, we still made the most of building and strengthening friendships and offering team building activities in the outdoors on our school premises. At the start of the academic year we held year group team building days where boys enjoyed a range of activities. These included minibeast investigations, den building, toasting marshmallows, team challenge games, archery tag and learning to use flint and steels to light fires. Who doesn’t love a s’more!

For the first time this year myself and Mr Michael Roberts were able to offer small group Forest School sessions each Friday lunchtime. Approximately 15 boys (age range 7 - 13 years)

School trips

would be invited along to the sessions for a five week programme. The aim being to provide opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. A few of the very capable Year 8s were then trained to become Young Leaders and attended each Friday session throughout the year. Thanks to Year 8 boys Ralph Franklin, Will Spice, Seth Baines, Will Feltham and Year 7 Isaac Devenish who could always be relied upon to assist and use their initiative when helping the younger boys.

OUR AIM AT BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL

n To provide learning opportunities in the outdoor environment through exciting practical activities. n To allow boys to take risks, problem solve, be creative and be part of a team. n To build independence and self-esteem in a relaxed and diverse environment. n Forest School will allow boys freedom to explore safely in the natural world. n Increase the connection between children and the natural environment.