School teaches children in forest

An East Sussex school has begun holding classes in a forest to help pupils learn through nature and the outdoors.

The lessons take place once a week for Reception and Year 1 students from Mountfield and Whatlington Primary School in Robertsbridge.

The plan, part of a UK-wide campaign called the Forest School project, is based on Scandinavian teaching methods.

Joe Hellett, head teacher at Mountfield and Whatlington, said teaching children outside could build character.

'Take risks'

"It's character building, it's not just about nature study," he said.

"The whole point is that we don't set up these days for fine weather. Children don't mind rain, if they're prepared for it.

"Parents got behind us on it and said it's a wonderful thing that children are beginning to take risks again and are not wrapped up in cotton wool," he continued.

Most subjects on the curriculum are taught in the woodland sessions, along with camp fire building and teamwork exercises.

The Forest School project was first implemented in Britain in 1995.

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Mountfield and Whatlington Primary School
Forest Education
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