Going to school is no longer about just sitting in a classroom. HAYLEY MILLS finds out more about the scheme which encourages learning to be taken outdoors.

GETTING dirty outside used to be seen as an activity for playtime but now inviting children outdoors to learn is seen for many as a key part of the school week.

The Forest School initiative has been developing throughout Wales since 1999, based on a Danish model, and over the past 15 years has been rolled out across England and Wales.

And Gwent schools are not missing out with a large number joining in the project which promotes the benefits of learning in the natural environment and insists that children need to play to experience space and movement and sensory stimulation for healthy development.

For Coed Eva primary school in Cwmbran, the scheme has proved such a hit the ribbon was cut on the second Forest School site there in March this year providing 525 pupils in Cwmbran with an outdoor learning environment.

The project, which will compliment an existing Forest School site, will teach children aged three to 11 the importance of conservation, as well as providing a space for literacy and numeracy classes.

Spearheaded by governors and staff, the project cost £30,000 to complete and includes a dipping pond, log fire and vegetable planters.

Heading the scheme at the school is Stacey Harris who explained that there are planters for each year group to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables as well as a meadow, exploration hatches, stepping stones and an undercover classroom.

She said: “The children were highly involved in the planning and development of the site so it has been lovely seeing some of the children's lovely ideas being brought to life which means the children are highly motivated.”

As part of the 'grow wild' project, year five pupils have been involved in planting lots of trees in the site.

She explained that Forest School is carefully planned into the curriculum to enhance aspects of learning.

She said: “At Coed Eva, staff carefully plan lessons in Forest School that coincides and further enhances and develops the learning that takes place in the classroom.

“A timetable has been put in place and each class visits the site at least once a fortnight.”

Through their science topic 'nature detectives', year three pupils have undertaken minibeast hunts, pond dipping and used their investigative skills to plan and construct a habitat for a mouse.

Lessons undertaken in the Forest School also focus on developing aspects of literacy and numeracy.

Ms Harris said: “By providing children with meaningful real life contexts to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, learner’s motivation will increase so they develop skills and it raises standards.”

As the new site develops, children will be taking part in sunflower growing competitions and parents will be invited to accompany pupils to take part in woods sessions.

There is also a Forest School after school club, which has seen children take part in shelter building, learning to safely light a fire and toasting marshmallows.

Ms Harris added: “I have watched some of the quieter children's self esteem and confidence flourish.

“Forest School brings some aspects of learning inside the classroom to life. Providing children with real life hands-on learning experiences has proven to motivate children and raise standards across the school.”

The scheme has certainly proved popular as it promotes sensory child-led outdoor play, encouraging and stimulating curiosity.

Children across schools involved in the scheme can also learn to use real small hand tools, explore the use of natural materials, and learn to assess risk, take on challenges and accept responsibility.

At the same time, it allows practitioners to step back and observe in order to encourage and inspire individuals.

The Forest School approach focuses on the process of learning rather than the outcomes.

Pontypool’s Padre Pio Catholic Primary School is another local school which has embraced this ethos of learning outdoors.

Carol Ware, the Forest School leader at the school, explained that their pupils have undertaken tree planting with the help of the Forestry Commission for forest sustainability and undertaken various den building activities to link with habitats.

She explained that the benefits are that it improves school attendance, promotes confidence and team work, sharing and encouraging others.

She said: “Children readily engage with this new way of learning because, whilst they use oral literacy and maths, there is very little written work so children can express themselves freely.

“The children are encouraged to take calculated risks. They are encouraged to extend what they have learnt at home and bring any new research into school.”

Mrs Ware explained that this type of learning is best suited to outside as it incorporates life skills such as keeping safe, survival skills, knot tying, fire and den building, first aid, hands on nature and recycling.