Forest School
Children have a natural desire to play outside, be physically active and connect with nature. Our series of woodland experiences allows them to do this on a regular basis.
We have over 265 acres of incredible, varied grounds at Great Walstead with certain areas dedicated to Forest School. In the younger years we have weekly timetabled Forest School sessions. In addition, all our teachers can decide to take learning outside where this will enhance the learning experience.
Forest School in Pre-Prep
Friday is a highlight of the week for our Pre-Prep children. Each session begins with the excitement of getting ready for the outdoors: waterproofs and wellies on and adventure lies ahead. The walk down to the woods is part of the experience, with pupils spotting the seasonal changes along the way.
Once they reach the woods, everyone gathers around the log circle to begin the day. After a few lively games, children have time for free play where imagination leads the way. Mini dens appear among the trees, logs become balance beams and sticks transform into tools for games and creative projects. These moments of independent exploration are when friendships strengthen, confidence grows and problem-solving happens naturally.
As the session unfolds, the group gathers for a snack and story time, which introduces the theme of the day and a hands-on activity. Each week is a new adventure, from creating conker hedgehogs and clay tree faces to mixing forest potions, building bears’ dens or making toffee apples over the campfire. Every theme connects storytelling, discovery and creativity, giving children the chance to learn through all their senses.
A Changing Woodland Curriculum
Our Forest School themes evolve with the seasons. Children have recently explored topics such as The Green Man and Tree Faces, The Giving Tree, Fire and Dragons, Scottish Wild Cats and Mini Raft Building. They have painted with pigments made from berries and leaves, created woodland crowns, built nests and crafted fish kites that dance in the breeze.
These carefully planned experiences help children connect deeply with nature, develop fine motor skills and learn to care for the environment around them. Sessions are structured but flexible, giving each child the chance to follow their curiosity and contribute their ideas to the group.
Years 1 and 2: Building Skills and Confidence
As children move up through Pre-Prep, their Forest School sessions evolve too. Pupils in Years 1 and 2 enjoy slightly shorter sessions in the afternoon, with more focus on skill-building, teamwork and independence. They might learn to light a fire safely, identify trees, make natural art or create maps of the woodland for a team treasure hunt.
Older pupils also support younger ones, learning empathy and leadership as they work together. Whether they are making apple stamp collages, measuring potions or sharing stories by the fire, these experiences help them grow in confidence and curiosity, ready to take on new challenges as they move into the Prep School.
Q-Day: The Ultimate Great Walstead Adventure
For our oldest pupils, Q-Day is more than just the culmination of Forest School; it is a rite of passage that marks the end of their Great Walstead journey. Talked about for years and remembered for a lifetime, it captures the spirit of adventure, teamwork and determination that defines our school.
All Year 7 & 8 pupils take part in a week of woodland challenges and activities. They build dens which need to be robust enough to give them overnight shelter then, at 10 o’clock sharp, the infamous 'Operation Banger' commences. It’s an exciting battle with both prestige and points available to the winners.
At Great Walstead, Forest School is far more than outdoor play. It is a vital part of our learning philosophy that celebrates exploration, resilience and imagination. Every session leaves children a little muddier, a little prouder and a lot more connected to the natural world around them.
