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•    Heather Brown
• R.G.N, BSc(Hons), PGCE Forest School Leader
• Heartwood Education
• Forest School Delivery to FEI National Standards

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Forest Education Initiative

• Forest Education Initiative - providing teachers
  with learning resources on trees, forests and
  forestry products
• www.foresteducation.org

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Forest School-Where did it start?It is not a
physical place it is a concept.
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How long has it been happening in the United
Kingdom?
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Defining Forest School in the UK.
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The use of a woodland setting all year round
whenever possible.A high ratio of adults to
children.Learning can be linked to the National
Curriculum.The freedom to explore using
multiple senses.Delivered to and adapted
appropriately for all ages from pre school to
post 16.
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Strong focus on the followingSafety in the
outdoor environment.Pupil led learning.Small
achievable tasks and challenges.Emotional
literacy.Process not outcome.Woodland
management and vocational projects.Coping
strategies for stressful situations.
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What is Forest School?Pre- School
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• Discovering the force of gravity at an early age!

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What is Forest School?Primary School?
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What is Forest School?Secondary School?
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• A marvellous opportunity for children to learn.
• Liz OBrien and Richard Murray
• A participatory evaluation of forest School in
  England and Wales. Oct 2006
• www.hmso.gov.uk

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• Research carried out in five forest schools
  across England and Wales.
• Case study based data collection.
• Propositions about the effect of participating in
  a forest school program.

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• Proposition
• Forest school increases the self esteem and self
  confidence of the individuals that take part.

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• Proposition
• Forest school increases an individuals ability to
  work
• co-operatively and increases their awareness of
  others.

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• Proposition
• Forest school counters lack of motivation and a
  negative attitude to learning.

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• Proposition
• Forest school encourages ownership and pride in
  the local environment.

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• Proposition
• Forest school encourages individuals to build a
  closer relationship with, and a better
  understanding of, the outdoors.

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• Could a Forest School approach encourage and
  enthuse our children and young people to improve
  their understanding of scientific principles,
  processes and practice?

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Thank you