At HBN we have developed our outside space to provide a dedicated place for our children to develop and learn outdoors. Forest School sets learning in a different context for children where they can undertake a range of practical activities and carry out small achievable tasks. At Forest School children are given open ended learning challenges and which are largely child led to develop their team working skills, self belief, confidence, learning capacity, enthusiasm, communication, problem-solving skills and emotional well-being. Forest school also ties in with the Isle of Man's 6 R's; see the map below that presents the benefits of Forest School.
Additionally, we use our Forest School for scientific learning opportunities, such as learning about seasons and wildlife. We also use it to enhance our children's knowledge of the island's biosphere and being eco-friendly through hands-on experiences. For example, the children enjoy getting involved in tree planting, potato growing and composting. We have an ECO club within school in which two children from each class attend meetings and create and monitor new initiatives that will make our school more eco-friendly.
