forest school
Space to explore. Freedom to discover.
Forest School offers children opportunities to explore, make, solve problems and learn outdoors - provided where it can particularly benefit the individual child.
learning beyond four walls
learning through curiosity and experience
Forest School takes learning outside - but it is much more than simply doing activities in the woods. The UK Forest School Association defines it as a child-centred, long-term process of regular sessions in a natural environment, supporting play, exploration, hands-on learning and appropriate supported risk. Its principles emphasise learner choice, a relationship with the natural world and holistic development rather than a one-off outdoor activity day.
At Rubicon, Forest School is offered where it is right for the individual child - for example, where they may particularly benefit from outdoor learning or while waiting for an education provision. It gives children another environment in which to explore, build confidence and experience learning differently.
Learning by doing - with choice, challenge and supported risk
Forest School can create opportunities for making and building, exploring natural materials, noticing wildlife and seasons, creative work, practical problem solving and learning to use tools safely where appropriate. Sometimes the achievement is making something. Sometimes it is having another go when the first attempt did not work, asking for help, trying something unfamiliar or deciding what to do next.
Supported risk is an important part of genuine Forest School practice. That does not mean removing safety. It means giving children carefully considered opportunities to assess, try, decide and develop confidence rather than eliminating every challenge for them. The Forest School Association’s principles also emphasise high adult-to-learner ratios, risk-benefit thinking and qualified practitioners.
Over regular sessions, these experiences are intended to support development across physical, social, emotional and cognitive areas, while fostering confidence, independence, creativity and a relationship with the natural world.
Rubicon currently has a member of staff trained to deliver Forest School and also works with external Forest School providers, giving flexibility around the needs of the individual child.
what people say about rubicon
Sometimes the Best Place to Learn
Has No Walls.