Forest School is one of the most distinctive and much-loved elements of life at Pownall Hall. Set within our grounds, this dedicated woodland space gives children time, freedom and permission to explore the natural world through hands-on, purposeful experiences – in all seasons and all weathers.
At Pownall, Forest School is not an occasional enrichment activity. It is a carefully planned, timetabled part of our curriculum that supports children’s physical, emotional and social development alongside their academic learning. Time outdoors allows children to slow down, take appropriate risks, solve problems, collaborate with others and develop confidence in their own abilities. It offers balance in a fast-paced world and space for children to think, create and grow.
Forest School at Pownall is a place where children feel safe to try, to fail, to succeed and to be themselves.
Ranger Suzie Major
Suzie is passionate about outdoor learning and the powerful impact it has on children’s development. She believes that the natural world provides endless opportunities for creativity, independence and confidence-building, and that children learn best when they are trusted to explore and make decisions for themselves.
Under Suzie’s guidance, Forest School sessions are calm, purposeful and full of possibility. Children are supported to develop practical skills, resilience and respect for nature through activities such as den building, gardening, creative projects, tool use, obstacle courses and imaginative play. Suzie’s warm, encouraging approach helps every child feel confident to take part, whatever their starting point.
1
Purpose-built outdoor woodland classroom
0-9
Years old with weekly Forest School lessons
15
Hours of Forest School sessions every week
Eco
Club with Ranger Suzie for Forms 2-5
Forest School sessions are carefully structured to allow children extended periods of uninterrupted play and exploration. Children are trusted to follow their interests, test ideas and learn through experience, supported by skilled adults who guide, model and scaffold learning when appropriate.
In the woodland environment, children encounter real challenges and real rewards. They learn to manage risk, cooperate with others, persevere when things are difficult and reflect on their experiences. Through this process, they develop resilience, independence and a strong sense of connection to the world around them.
Children experience the changing seasons first-hand, observe wildlife, work with natural materials and develop an understanding of life cycles and the environment. These experiences deepen their respect for nature and help build a strong foundation for environmental awareness and responsibility.
Forest School is a journey that unfolds over time. Rather than being driven by fixed outcomes or adult-led activities, sessions allow learning to emerge naturally through children’s choices and curiosity.
Within this environment, children develop across multiple areas:
Social – collaboration, turn-taking, conflict resolution, sense of community
Physical – gross and fine motor skills, coordination, strength and stamina
Intellectual – problem-solving, creativity, reflection, decision-making
Communication – listening, teamwork, leadership, questioning and language development
Emotional – self-regulation, confidence, perseverance, resilience and self-esteem
Our Forest School area has been thoughtfully designed to support safe, meaningful outdoor learning.
Features include:
A purpose-built wooden outdoor classroom
A firepit with professionally installed seating
All-weather canopies suspended between the trees
Mud kitchens for imaginative and sensory play
Trees for climbing and exploration
A dedicated tool station for practical skill development
Den building areas
A much-loved mud slide
Just as importantly, it is a place where memories are made – where wellies get muddy, confidence grows quietly, and learning feels natural and joyful.
From our youngest children in Robins to pupils in Form 4, Forest School is a weekly part of life at Pownall. Time spent outdoors allows children to explore, work together and learn through experience, building confidence, resilience and practical skills that remain with them long after they leave the woodland – and long after they leave Pownall.
