FOREST SCHOOL

Forest School inspires our Pre-Prep and Lower Prep boys with a respect for nature and a passion for the outdoors. They love exploring the natural world, and we will always head outside, come rain, sun or snow. The wetter and muddier the better! 

What is Forest School? 

‘Forest School’ is a holistic approach to learning that focuses on long term, repetitive processes using a natural outdoor space’.  Giving boys the time and space to develop at their own pace allows them to develop confidence and self-esteem. It enables them to achieve.  

Forest School encourages young boys to play an active part in their own learning. It develops social skills, cognitive development and creativity.  In regular weekly sessions, we see motivated, happy boys, engaged, participating, and focused on the range of activities offered. The benefits of this learning is then transferred to the classroom.   

GROWING UP IN FOREST SCHOOL

There has never been a more important time to put outdoor play at the forefront of primary education.  We have a dedicated outdoor space which is perfect for this age group and we were one of the first prep schools in the UK to go one step further with a  fully trained, dedicated Forest School Leader.  

We all know play is crucial in the development of a child’s mind and body, that knowledge is best acquired through real life experiences and that spending time outdoors is good for health and wellbeing.  But there is a world of difference between just having access to outside space for play and Forest School. 

You cannot just ‘do’ Forest School you have to learn about it, feel it and live it! 

The Forest School ethos is grounded in science; children gain a sense of freedom and belonging in a space where nature provides the resources.  Imagination kicks in and play turns into creation and the building blocks of cognition and reflection. 

Our Forest School programme crosses over into many areas of the curriculum whilst teaching boys the importance of looking after the environment. We build a knowledge and respect for common trees, wildflowers and birds in our grounds and an understanding of seasonal changes. 

Boys learn how to use simple tools and to assess risk to stay safe.  This helps them grow stronger physically, more confident in the outside world and able to work as part of a team.

SPORT IN THE PRE-PREP

Sport is an integral part of school life at The Pilgrims’ School. All the boys are taught the importance and the long-term benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle and we do some kind of a sporting activity every day.   

In the Pre-Prep, essential skills are taught by sports specialists from the Prep and by external professionals, with a great emphasis on encouragement, fun, and taking part.   A PE specialist takes PE and games. Weekly swimming begins in Year 1, taught by staff who are highly experienced in developing the skills and confidence of young swimmers. Rugby coaching begins with learning to throw and catch the ball, which develops to tag rugby when the boys move on to Year 3.  

We love cricket and are  proud to be in the Cricketer magazine’s top schools in the Country for Cricket. Guided by the national governing body, the ECB, fielding and batting skills begin in the Pre-Prep using plastic cricket bats and tennis balls, with boys learning the basic principles and rules.   

The Pre-Prep sports year culminates with Sports Day. Older boys from the Prep help with the day and offer great encouragement to the younger competitors. This popular family event is a mixture of competitive and fun races. It is always very well attended by parents and younger siblings, who are welcome to join in.