Forest School


Image

Outdoor learning in Forest School

Forest School is about exploring and experiencing the natural world through practical activities. At All Hallows, our children go out in all weathers, all year round, exploring and learning from the seasons and environment changes. We believe children thrive when their learning is fuelled by a spirit of adventure and this motivates them to become more independent learners back in the classroom.

"The natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest." - David Attenborough, British host and biologis

We are lucky to have our own nine-acre onsite woodland, Scouts Wood, where the ever-changing environment allows the children to have memorable learning experiences. Our fabulous array of resources includes an outdoor classroom as well as a cabin with an indoor space, pizza ovens, food preparation areas and fire pits with cooking facilities.
Image

Our On-Site Woodland - Scouts Wood

Few schools can match the natural resources available at All Hallows. Our Forest School is centered in Scouts Wood, our very own 9-acre woodland.
  • The Forest School Classroom: A purpose-built log cabin that allows Forest School to continue in all weathers, serving as a cosy base for theory and craft.
  • Culinary Hub: Home to our fire pits and pizza ovens, where pupils learn the art of outdoor cooking.
  • Three Outdoor Classrooms: Dedicated spaces under the canopy for structured lessons and group discussion.
  • Adventure Structures: Including a pirate ship, mud kitchens, 'construction area', nature hotel and more.
  • The Forest Itself: We cannot emphasise how fortunate we are to have our on-site woodland. It's a mixed forest, sed both rain and shine, and carpeted in the most amazing smelling wild-garlic flowers during each summer. Not many schools can boast that they have a 'proper Forest School', but we can!
Image
Image
Image
Image

Our Forest School Values

Our Forest School ethos is built on the belief that outdoor learning is essential for developing well-rounded, happy children. Our core values include:

  • A Sense of Adventure: We encourage children to explore the natural world in all weathers, all year round.
  • Resilience & Independence: By managing risks in a safe, supported setting, children build the inner confidence to solve problems and use their initiative.
  • Wellbeing & Connection: Research shows that children are stimulated by the outdoors; our sessions enhance emotional well-being and foster a lifelong respect for the environment.
  • Holistic Learning: Forest School adds value to classroom-based learning by providing hands-on, memorable experiences that increase learning capacity.

Early Years (Nursery and Reception) Forest School Curriculum

Our youngest learners begin their journey in a secure, stimulating outdoor space. We focus on Sensory Exploration and Imaginative Play. Highlights include:
  • Mud Kitchens & Boats: Encouraging sensory and role play to build communication and language skills.
  • Introduction to Tools: Developing fine motor skills through safe, supervised introduction to hand tools.
  • Seasonal Awareness: Using all five senses to interpret the changing world around them.

Junior School (Year 1 to Year 6) Forest School Curriculum

Our focus throughout Forest School during Junior School lessons, is Problem Solving and Collaboration.

As children move through the Junior School, the curriculum broadens to link closely with classroom subjects like Science and Geography.

  • Years 1 and 2: Hands-on learning that continues the transition from EYFS, focusing on curiosity and nature-based discovery, as well as outdoor cookery, team building, and nature identification.
  • Years 3 to 6: Increasing complexity in tasks. Pupils engage in Environmental Stewardship activities, survival skills, and exploring local ecosystems.

Senior School (Year 7 to Year 8) Forest School Curriculum

For our Senior School pupils, Forest School offers a creative dialogue between nature and practical life skills as well as a chance to enjoy childhood and the great outdoors!

  • Advanced Bushcraft: Mastering complex fire-lighting, outdoor culinary skills using our pizza ovens, and advanced woodcraft.
  • Leadership Roles: Year 8 pupils take ownership of projects, guiding younger pupils and leading their own outdoor initiatives.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Providing a vital 'digital detox' and a creative outlet during the transition to Senior School life.

Benefitting the Whole School

  • Risk Management: Throughout every stage of the All Hallows journey, children learn to identify and manage risks, fostering a sense of responsibility and mutual respect for each-other and the environment around them.
  • Advanced Skills: Activities include whittling, fire-lighting, and outdoor cooking, providing a sense of achievement and mastery.
  • Leadership: Pupils are encouraged to lead their own learning through play and exploration, helping to prepare them with skills in Resilience, Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking and Real World Application.
  • Creative Design: Using natural materials for art and construction, integrating creativity into every outdoor session.
Image
Image
A young female All Hallows student holding a magnifying glass to her eye, in a forest setting
Image

Want to know more about All Hallows' Forest School?

See our Forest School in all it's wonder by visiting us. See our pupils in action and meet our passionate, specialist teachers. Contact our wonderful Admissions Team today:

Call us

01749 881609

Email us

admissions@
allhallowsschool.co.uk

Fill in

an enquiry form

Download

a registration form

#SchoolStories

How Prep Schools Help You Navigate Private Secondary School Admissions

25th May 2026
If you have a specific selective secondary school in mind for your child, one of the best ways to secure their chances of admission is through prep school. Prep schools...

Nurturing Creative Thinking in Children: Balancing Tech and Real-World Experiences

18th May 2026
Creative thinking helps children respond flexibly to everyday challenges and prepares them for a workplace that values original ideas and adaptability. But how can we nurture the art of creativity...

How to Develop Quiet Confidence in Introverted Children

11th May 2026
Introverted children are often misunderstood by their parents, who mistake their quiet nature for shyness. Many parents worry when their child prefers quiet time alone or takes longer to warm...

9 Tips for Choosing a Sporting Boarding School

4th May 2026
If you have a child gifted in sport, choosing the right boarding school is key to their success. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a school that balances athletics programmes with...

The Connection Between Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing

27th April 2026
Students today face more stress and mental health challenges than ever before. Outdoor learning provides a powerful solution by connecting children with nature, which research shows significantly improves mental health,...

What Can Be Done to Get Kids Into Sports? A Guide to Sport for the ‘Non-Sporty’ Child

20th April 2026
Not every child feels drawn to sports, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find joy in them – or even the simple act of physical activity.  Many parents worry when...

9 Benefits of Cross-Curricular Learning

13th April 2026
Students learn best when they can see how different subjects connect to each other and to the world around them. Traditional education often keeps subjects separate, but this approach can...

How Prep School Develops Leadership Skills in Children

6th April 2026
One of the biggest advantages of prep schools is that they offer valuable chances for your child to build leadership skills and learn personal responsibility.  Schools like All Hallows create...

7 Ways Private School is Best For Making Friends at School

23rd March 2026
The social environment of your child’s school plays a key role in your child’s development and overall wellbeing during their formative years. Private schools create strong social connections through structured...