Westonzoyland Primary School ‘Embrace Opportunities, Choose Kindness, Value Everyone’
Outdoor Learning Information
Forest School Vision
At Westonzoyland Primary School, we believe that learning outdoors should be an adventure. Forest School sparks curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder about the natural world. Children have the freedom to explore, investigate, and discover new things for themselves, whether that’s spotting wildlife, building a den, or experimenting with natural materials.
Every session is designed to be engaging, hands-on, and full of memorable experiences. Children develop important life skills such as problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, and independence, all while learning to care for the environment and understand the changing seasons. Our vision is to create a space where children feel inspired, confident, and excited about learning, leaving with memories that will last a lifetime.
Forest School Curriculum
Forest School is an integral part of learning at Westonzoyland Primary School, offering hands-on experiences in our woodland and garden areas. Children in all year groups take part every half term, enjoying activities that are shaped by their interests and the opportunities around them.
Our program focuses on developing practical outdoor skills that grow each year. Children learn to stay safe outdoors, including fire safety, identify plants through games like treasure hunts, create 2D and 3D art from natural materials, build dens, use tools safely, and explore bush craft techniques. Cooking on the fire is a particular highlight: in Key Stage 1, children enjoy making simple treats like s'mores, while in Key Stage 2, they build on these skills to cook more advanced meals such as pizza and poached eggs. Practising these skills over time helps children gain confidence, independence, and practical abilities they can use both inside and outside school.
Wellbeing and mindfulness are at the heart of every session. Children have time to pause, reflect, and enjoy the outdoors, helping them feel calm, focused, and connected to nature. Where possible, we link Forest School activities to classroom learning, providing a richer, more meaningful experience across the curriculum.
