Where curiosity leads, and nature teaches.
Step into our Forest School and you’ll discover one of the most beloved parts of life at Pownall Hall. Nestled within our grounds, this dedicated outdoor space offers children the chance to explore, get creative, and investigate in nature’s classroom – whatever the weather.
At Pownall Hall School, we believe that the Forest School approach is a natural mechanism of support for children as they learn and grow in a fast-paced and ever-changing world. This unique approach to learning and development enables children to develop holistically, at their own pace, through intrinsic motivation, whilst embedding attributes of a life-long learner. Forest School at Pownall Hall School is a safe place to be, and express yourself.
Hi, I’m Suzie, the new Forest School Leader at Pownall Hall School. I am passionate about helping children learn, grow and explore through nature. I believe the outdoors offers endless opportunities for creativity, confidence-building and inspiring discovery. My goal is to create a safe, motivational creative environment where every child can try new things, develop practical skills and deepen their connection with the natural world. With experiences in den building, gardening, obstacle course building, creative projects including everything from paint to plasticine and chalk to clay, I am excited to bring fresh ideas, lots of enthusiasm and a love for outdoor adventures to our school community.
– Ranger Suzie Major, Forest School Lead
1
Purpose-built wooden outdoor classroom
0-9 yrs
Ages with weekly Forest School lessons
15
Hours of Forest School sessions every week
F2-F5
Weekly Eco Club with Ranger Suzie
Our Forest School ethos is based on fundamental respect for children and their capacity to instigate, test and maintain curiosity in the world around them. During our Forest School sessions, the children have ample time to play and explore freely, accessing managed risk through the vibrant reality of the woodland environment. The children will experience a healthy range of emotions, through the challenges of social interaction, building resilience that will enable continued and creative engagement with their peers and potential. Children experience the seasons, the wonders of nature, the highs, the lows, life and death. We are one with the Earth and all it offers at Forest School. This all enables children to build strong, positive relationships with their natural world, developing their understanding of the world around them and a strong connectedness to nature.
We believe that Forest School is a journey. Over time, the process of Forest School and the benefits it brings, become ingrained in each child, as they move forward on their own path. Whilst the adults at Forest School carefully support, guide, model scaffold, and collaborate, the children are not limited by planned activities or preconceived adult ideas about the session. Rather, they venture into realms of the unplanned, unexpected and ultimately unlimited world of choice, freedom and expression as they direct their own learning. The dynamic nature of the outdoor woodland environment allows children to develop deeper connections with themselves, others and the world around them. We gently support each child to develop:
And, just as importantly, it’s a place where memories are made – where wellies get stuck, faces get muddy, and smiles come easily.
From our tiniest Robins to our adventurous Form 4s, every child takes part in Forest School sessions as part of their weekly timetable. With Ranger Suzie’s guidance, children learn through exploration. They discover how to work together to build shelters, toast snacks over an open fire, climb trees, problem-solve, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
