Outdoor Learning Forest School Sohail Khan sohail khannewman

Outdoor Learning & Forest School Sohail Khan sohail. khan@newman. ac. uk Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

Outdoor learning • What do you know? • What do you want to know? • What have you learnt? (review and reflection at the end of the session) Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

Current climate • Forest school can contribute to young people’s physical/mental health and wellbeing by providing an important space where they can be active on a regular basis • concern that children are not having as much contact with woodlands and green spaces when they are young due to concerns about safety and increasing range of available indoor activities • research suggests that if children do not visit woodlands and green spaces when they are young, they will become adults who do not use these spaces; and they will miss out on the physical and emotional benefits of access to nature • declining emotional resilience and ability to assess and take risks • role of conservation bodies and the National Trust – ’ 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ https: //www. nationaltrust. org. uk/features/50 -things-to-do-before-youre-11 -activity-list https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=-9 ADLZv 7 jms Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

A Positive Learning environment • People learn best in a positive environment; • Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; - Safe - Physical - Emotional - Social - Relaxed and stimulating - A sense of wholeness and worth Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

Definition • Definition developed by Forest School Network: ‘an inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self esteem through hands on learning experiences in a woodland environment’ Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

Forest school ethos • Forest school is a long-term process with frequent and regular sessions in a local natural space, not a one-off visit • takes place in in a woodland or natural wooded environment • aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners • offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves • run by qualified practitioners who continually develop their professional practice • uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning. Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

An ideal site According to Knight (2013, p 69) an ideal site consists of: • plenty of wood to coppice and use for activities • trunks to climb and extend physical skills and confidence • rotting wood for discovering minibeasts • space for exploration and adventure • light, open environment promoting early confidence • long trails of ivy, useful for creative activities • range of plants and trees to investigate • central glade for easily identified base camp • 10 -20 minutes from client groups • security from roads and access by general public Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

• when planned well, LOt. C contributed significantly to standards and personal/social/emotional development • LOt. C most successful when a integral element of long-term curriculum planning • use school grounds and neighbouring area to support learning • evaluate the impact of LOt. C on improving achievement and monitor the take up of activities by pupils • consider manageable and effective ways of overcoming potential barriers e. g. health and safety, pupils’ behaviour and teachers’ workload Ofsted key findings (Learning Outside the Classroom, How far should you go? ) Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

Holistic approach We want to produce young people that are: • confident and have a strong sense of right and wrong, adaptable and resilient, knows the self, thinks independently and communicates effectively; • a self directed learner, who questions, reflects, perseveres and takes responsibility for his/her own learning; • active contributors able to work effectively in teams, innovative, exercises initiative, takes calculated risks and strives for excellence; • Concerned citizens, have a strong sense of civic responsibility and take an active part in bettering the lives of others around him/her. https: //www. bing. com/videos/search? q=emotional+intelligence&&vie w=detail&mid=0103067 DB 8220 F 05 A 2 F 9&F ORM=VRDGAR Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

Activity • http: //www. treetoolsforschools. org. uk/activities/pdfs/p df_summer_scavenger_hunt. pdf • Please go for a walk in your local area, ideally a green space/woodland area. Consider your surroundings alongside one of the above activities. How might you use an area close to you to engage a group of learners? Why might it be important to provide children with regular opportunities to learn outside of the classroom? Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk

Review and reflection • Identify one thing you know more about • Identify one thing to share with a colleague or friend not in this session • Identify one thing you want to find out more about Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham B 32 3 NT T: +44(0)121 476 1181 www. newman. ac. uk