Coppice Valley Primary pupils are now learning outdoors after the school launched its own Forest School.
Since returning from the summer break, Coppice Valley has launched a school-wide Forest School within its extensive grounds.
With a designated outdoor classroom area and lots of wildlife areas to explore and investigate in all weathers, the school said its pupils have “loved the opportunity to be outdoors” as well as in the classroom.
Hannah McNamara, Headteacher at Coppice Valley Primary School, said:
“Each learner in our school will get something different out of Forest School.
“Children from Reception to Year 6 are encouraged to embrace risk-taking in a safe and supportive environment.
“The sessions are thoughtfully designed by our teachers to complement our curriculum, to engage each child's imagination and curiosity.
“We are so excited to develop this area of our school’s offer – watch this space!”
Forest School has been called a “unique educational tool” that emphasises outdoor learning, where children can “engage with nature through hands-on experiences and play.”
Holly Riley, a Level 3 Forest School Leader, said:
“As a Level 3 Forest School Leader and a trained primary school teacher, this school was a match made in heaven for me.
“We have such love for learning outdoors through Forest Schools, which is so exciting to be part of.
“It is such an exciting time to join Coppice Valley, with the abundance of enthusiasm, support, and passion for upskilling the children in their resilience, risk taking and curiosity.
“I feel so lucky to be able to work in such an amazing space, and I am so excited for our new Forest School journey together.”
With a child-led ethos, this initiative will allow the children to immerse themselves in nature, exploring the great outdoors while developing essential life skills.
Through regular sessions in natural settings like the woodlands in the school’s grounds, children learn about the environment, develop practical skills and grow both socially and emotionally.
By focusing on child-initiated activities, Forest School nurtures a love of learning while promoting physical and mental well-being.
One pupil said:
“It changes all the time, its exploring, it’s so different to anything else in school.”
Another commented:
“It’s not just normal learning, it’s outdoor learning!”
A third added:
“We’re all outside together – it’s fantastic!”
Coppice Valley Primary School is part of Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi-academy of 14 schools across West and North Yorkshire.
Director of Primary Education for Red Kite Learning Trust, Amanda Thornton Jones, said:
“This initiative has been made possible by Coppice Valley being awarded grants, but the school is still looking for support.
“Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. If you would like to support the Forest School at Coppice Valley Primary School, or if you work for a company who would consider helping our cause, please contact the school for more information.
“From wellies to waterproofs, tools to fire pits, every little helps!”
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