Archibald First School, Gosforth, Newcastle Upone Tyne | Having fun, learning together

At Archibald First School, we want our children to become curious, caring, creative and courageous young people. This is embedded in all that we do when learning inside and outside of the classroom. Over the last few years, we have developed our Forest School which supports children in developing these skills. 

Forest School is a child-centred approach that offers opportunities for children’s holistic growth through regular sessions of playing and exploring whilst taking manageable risks and developing their love for learning. During Forest School sessions, children’s confidence and self-esteem are actively encouraged through hands-on experiences in the natural world. Forest School sessions are inclusive of all children’s needs and opportunities and resources are adapted as appropriate.  

Although we do not have a large playground, we have created a magical Forest School area in our grounds. Mrs Ward and Mr Holman are qualified Level 3 Forest School Leaders and plan for and manage the use of Forest School for the whole school. Forest School sessions are most effective over an extended amount of time that enables children to see the changes in the natural world throughout the seasons.

Children in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 will have access to Forest School sessions weekly throughout the year. Children in all other groups will have at least twelve sessions throughout the year, enabling them to experience the space in different seasons.