More than 1,000 local school children have enjoyed the benefit of a ‘Forest School’ education since the project launched in Wirral two years ago.
Students who take part in Forest Schools learn out in the great outdoors; about themselves and how they fit in the natural world, discovering wildlife, flora and fauna and learning to use tools safely in order to make a myriad of woodland crafts from broomsticks to xylophones.
Amongst those to have been boosted by this innovative way of learning are pupils from Cathcart Street Primary School, where teachers say Forest School has given pupils confidence, enabled them to take ownership of their learning, be more observant and grow stronger to take on physical tasks. All these skills are transferable to the classroom, which has proved invaluable to enhance their learning.
Such opportunities have supported their language skills, enriched their memory and increased vocabulary making it a better place for social and emotional connections, conversation and communication, through understanding and expressing themselves.
The sessions have been possible through funding from the Public Health Outcomes Fund and have been run by Rangers from Wirral Council’s Parks and Countryside Team.
Children attending the sessions are said to feel happier, more confident, communicate and cooperate better and even enjoy being outside in the rain. Parents, teachers and the children themselves agree it has been a very positive experience.
Teachers from the Priory Parish Primary School reported that the children attending one set of sessions increased their literacy progress by three points over the 10 weeks, which is more than the expected average over a year.
Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia and promotes emotional intelligence and child development in ways that modern pressures on education rarely allow. It is done outside in almost all weathers and, at Wirral Forest Schools, usually takes place over 10 sessions – one per week – to help the life lessons learned to stay with the children and transfer back into mainstream education.
Designed for children aged five and over, Wirral Forest Schools are run in several local parks: Birkenhead Park, Dibbinsdale, Bidston Hill and Central Park, Wallasey. It is hoped the programme will keep expanding into more local parks in the borough.
Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral Council Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, said: “The power of the great outdoors to improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing should not be underestimated. This is an innovative programme that incorporates the world around us into young people’s structured learning and brings tremendous benefits to all involved.”
“What has been particularly exciting over the last two years has been seeing our Forest Schools project inspiring similar projects in New York’s Central Park – one of the most famous parks in the world – and one with which we share such close ties.”
For more information on Wirral Forest Schools, please visit the Council website.
