Forest school getting college back to nature
DONCASTER College is getting back to nature!
It plans to open a forest school to teach youngsters and adults in outdoor classrooms.
Based at the college's High Melton campus, it will create a unique learning experience which will bring students into greater contact with the natural environment.
Bosses say it will benefit people of all ages from nursery school age, with well-structured activities and accelerated learning programmes helping to develop an understanding and respect for the natural world.
The idea was the brainchild of college deputy director of the academy of health and social care Kathryn Dixon who had visited other forest schools across the country.
Kathryn said: "I visited successful forest school centres in Cumbria and Somerset and thought it would work very well here in Doncaster.
"We have attracted funding to start it up and we're hoping to have something in place by spring 2009. The larger project is in its planning stage and may include a purpose-built sustainable building which links the indoors to the outdoors.
"The school will help people develop the transferable skills that would enhance the employability and educational progression of those who attend. These skills may include self-regulation, teamwork, independence, problem-solving skills, and a positive self-esteem.
"The aim of our forest school is to engage different types of learners – those who find it hard to study in a normal classroom environment. Forest schools are very successful at working with those not in education, employment or training, entry to employment students and those with learning difficulties.
"There is a suggestion that a young person that has been disengaged in school is unlikely to be re-engaged in further education without some period of transition or alternative approach – forest schools offer this and re-introduce students back into education in small steps."
The college has secured extra funding from Higher Futures and three staff are on training courses to become professional forest school practitioners.
College bosses believe their own Early Years further and higher education students would benefit from the school being created with the chance to work with their pupils or students in a different environment. University research could also be carried out at the forest school.
Kathryn added: "It would work perfectly here because we are lucky enough to have access to a unique piece of woodland at our High Melton campus.
"And it won't just be used by youngsters – this is a place where college staff, including senior managers, could engage in the outdoor environment.
" This would offer a stimulating alternative to the stressful office atmosphere, even allowing some meetings to be held outdoors. Businesses could also use the space for team building activities and activity days."
The school is currently in the early planning process but could include new buildings, an outside cooking area, a pond area and an amphitheatre.
Read more on next page: Activities could include den building and other practical projects with a woodland theme.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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