What is Forest School?

‘THE BEST KIND OF CLASSROOM’

(by Ian MacMillan)

‘This is the best kind of classroom,

No walls, just sky and trees,

This is the best kind of classroom,

No radiators, just a gentle breeze.

This is the best kind of classroom,

It’s a journey through time and space,

From the smallest seed to the largest tree,

This is a forest and a learning place.

This is the best kind of classroom,

Where seasons don’t happen in books.

Where learning is watching and thinking and talking,

And everyone notices, everyone looks.’

Forest School is about using the outdoors to promote confidence, self-esteem and independence. At St John's we are passionate about developing the whole child, not just their academic ability. The benefits of Forest School to the children are many and include improved confidence, behaviour, concentration, independence, resilience, creativity and teamwork.

For more information, please see the attached Parent Guide and Policy.

Who? When? Where?

Started in September 2024, our Forest School is led by Mr Grobel who has been a teacher at St John's since 2018 (and parent of two St John's boys) and is also a fully qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader. He has years of experience under his belt already having led Forest School at another local school since starting it in 2016. 

The aim is for all children in the school to benefit from this opportunity. 

With the help of the North West Kent Countryside Partnership, we have developed a dedicated Forest School area in a corner of the school field, complete with log circle, fire pit, parachute shelter, pond and various other features. We have also established links with Sevenoaks Town Council and other external organisations enabling us to take children on off-site adventures too, for example nearby Millpond Woods, Knole Estate's Duchess Plantation and Quakers Hall Allotments. 

We are always grateful for any offers of support so if you can contribute in any way (e.g. resources / volunteering), please get in touch.

Adventure is out there!

Please click on the link below to see photos of all the Forest School sessions.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nWW3uj4mFN8FngSsV5jdxgmEhTMTXmlm?usp=sharing