Here you will find some of our more common questions (and answers). Or if you are just exploring, this can help you to get a sense of what sorts of things are considered important.
What is 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 or natural environment with trees.
Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor and woodland education.
Is it a school?
Not in the general understanding of the word school. Forest School starts with the individual learner, encouraging them to develop skills and abilities in activities they show an interest in through their play. Forest School Leaders plan their sessions by observing learners in their play activities at sessions and listening to what the children say about what they would like to achieve.
Generally, education in school follows the national curriculum. A teacher will plan lessons (learning experiences) to help children meet specific learning outcomes. It is expected that most children will achieve these outcomes by a certain stage in their school attendance. Forest School activities can be linked to the curriculum and many outcomes will be achieved through participation in Forest School. However, the learners interests and needs will be the driving force rather than the curriculum.
Will it still run if it’s raining/snowing?
YES! Part of the purpose is to encourage participants to embrace our climate and enjoy being outside in all weathers. There are lots of fun activities to do in all weathers. High winds would be the only weather that may cause cancellation.
How does it work?
Providing learners the opportunity to play and follow their own interests, without the pressure of targets or specific success criteria, gives them the freedom to experience their own personal successes, work out the way that’s best for them and enjoy their achievements.
What activities will we/they do?
Almost anything! So long as it can be done safely. Typical activities are playing games, building dens, climbing trees, songs, hunting for insects, art and craft using natural materials, investigating habitats, feeding / watching birds, mud kitchens, stories …Where do they go to the toilet?
If the sessions take place at our base there will be a camping toilet in a tent. If sessions are away from base we will identify a suitable area and use tarpaulins to create a private space (a step up from behind a bush but same principal).Why are long sleeves and trousers required?
Long sleeves and trousers are the primary protection from ticks, which can be difficult to remove and can carry infections. Long sleeves and trousers also protect from other insect bites and scratches / stings from plants. Even in warm weather the shade of the trees causes the temperature to be cooler in woodland leading to participants feeling cold which is no fun. Participants arriving in shorts will be provided with long trousers from our spare kit to participate.
What happens at a family day?
The family days will have activities already set up for families to choose from freely. Direction and instruction will be given at the start of the session about any crafts or activities if required. Activities for free time will include nature detective equipment (bug pots, magnifying glasses, nets and ID books) There will always be some sort of ice breaker at the start, possibly while having a quick snack or playing a game of some sort. Ground rules will be established, and boundaries described (where it is safe to play, what happens in an emergency etc).Since we will be cooking lunch on the fire, some of the morning will be spent lighting fires and preparing lunch in between the freely chosen activities. The staff will always supervise the fire area while the fire is lit. In the afternoon families will have the chance to try working with wood using tools; these will include knives and saws. Again, this activity will be taught and supervised by the staff. There will also be a chance to try some tree climbing and to carry on with the free time activities.
How do I get to the school?
Directions to Borlum FarmFrom inverness – farm is on the right on B862 to Dores, 2 miles from ‘Nessie’ roundabout. If you use sat nav it will try to get you to turn left at the houses in Scaniport do not turn off B862 until the farm road end. Just after the houses at Scaniport there is a short blind hill we are on the right at the top of this hill. Come straight up the farm road until you reach the farm buildings. Park next to the farm buildings.
From Dores – farm is the first on the left after the Scaniport sign.
If you still have a question please get in touch.
You can also find out more about our sessions by visiting our sessions page, or find out more about us on our about page.
