Ten secondary school teachers in Gwent were given a taste of an outdoor learning method which is proving popular with younger children.
The concept of Forest School, which uses woodlands to stimulate children’s learning beyond the confines of the classroom, has spread through primary schools all over Wales.
But now Forestry Commission Wales wants to show teachers of older children how this style of education can engage students who don’t always connect with the traditional classroom style.
The Forest School taster day was run by FC Wales Woodlands for Learning (WfL) team staff at Bassaleg High School.
Teachers spent the day trying out some typical Forest School tasks, such as making a xylophone, collecting natural objects to create a story and building rope bridges. Pupils aged 12 to 13 also showed them how to safely light and cook over a fire and how to toast bread on a stick.
Cathy Velmans of the WfL team said, “Woodlands provide a stimulating outdoor learning environment for everyone.
“We want to raise awareness of how Forest School can benefit secondary school pupils in the same way as it does younger children, especially those who don’t normally achieve in a classroom environment.
“Hopefully, some of the teachers who attended the taster day will carry on to do the Level 3 Forest School Leader training course.”
A two-day conference to celebrate 10 years of Forest School in Wales will take place in St Mellons, Cardiff on 27 and 28 October.
