Outdoor Learning is an important feature of school life at Marlborough House. Classes across the curriculum are encouraged to use the great outdoors to inspire learning and support the development of character strengths and transferrable skills.
An important feature of our Outdoor Learning focus is Forest School, which children from the Nursery to Year 4 attend weekly. Our five fully accredited Forest School leaders know that the skills the children gain in this setting, enhance their learning potential as they move up through the school and into secondary education.
We also offer a range of activities both during and after the school day, providing countless opportunities for pupils to engage with the natural world and to enjoy the physical and mental heath benefits of being out in the fresh air.
Throughout the school, numerous opportunities are provided for reflection. In particular, the woodland learning area provides a natural and inspiring focal point
ISI Report
FOREST SCHOOL
There are many forms of outdoor learning but MHS Forest School has a distinct approach based on collaborative work between pupils and teachers. The invigorating woodland setting provides the perfect stimulus for creative and self-motivated learning, as the children develop confidence in their ability to overcome natural obstacles and tinker towards solutions. Because of our size, we are able to deliver a comprehensive Forest School Education as a core part of the curriculum, all the way from Nursery up to Year 4.
Forest School aims to put pupils ‘in the zone', from a learning perspective, and is a truly valuable complement to the traditional school curriculum.
Forest School in the UK may seem a fairly new movement, inspired by the open air culture of Scandinavia. In reality it is based on a rich heritage of outdoor learning dating back to at least the 19th century. Philosophers, naturalists and educators in Europe and the UK such as Wordsworth, Kurt Hahn (founder of Gordonstoun School), Baden Powell and the Macmillan sisters all laid the foundations for what is referred to as “Forest School” today.
A Forest School Education at Marlborough House
We believe the holistic approach of Forest School results in our children being independent, creative and resilient learners - an ethos that runs through all aspects of our teaching at MHS. This is outlined in the seven principles of Forest School below.
At MHS Forest School every child is entitled to:
- Explore and discover
- Experience appropriate risk and challenge
- Choose, initiate and drive individual learning and development
- Experience regular success
- Develop positive relationships with themselves and other people
- Treatment as equal, unique and valued individuals
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. Forest School Association
If you need anymore information, please do come and talk to us. More details about the history and principles of the Forest School Association can be found at www.forestschoolassociation.org