FOREST SCHOOL

At St Edmunds we are very lucky to have wonderful grounds enabling us to run Forest School sessions. We make use of the school field and the water meadow which includes our outdoor classroom and boardwalk area.

WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

The Forest School model originates in Scandinavia and involves participants (adults and children) learning outdoors on a regular basis.  During the sessions we promote, observe and explicitly support the social, emotional and physical development of those involved.  Forest School builds on a child’s innate motivation and positive attitude to learning, offering them the opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning for themselves.

WHAT IMPACT DOES FOREST SCHOOL HAVE?

• Increased confidence – characterised by the self confidence and self belief that comes from children having the freedom, time and space to learn, grow and demonstrate independence.
• Increased social skills – characterised by an increased awareness of the consequences of actions on other people and their ability to undertake activities with others.
• Improved language and communication – characterised by the development of more sophisticated uses of written and spoken language, prompted by the visual and other sensory experiences of a child.
• Improved motivation and concentration – characterised by keenness to participate in exploratory, learning and play activities.  Also an ability to focus on specific tasks and to concentrate for extended periods.
• Improved physical skills – characterised by the development of physical stamina and gross and fine motor skills.
• Increased knowledge and understanding – characterised by a respect for the environment and an interest in their natural surroundings – making observations and insights into natural phenomena.

WHO TAKES PART IN FOREST SCHOOL SESSIONS?

All of the children at St Edmunds take part in Forest School sessions. At present Early Years and Key stage 1 pupils take part in these each week and Key stage 2 pupils, each year.

WHAT HAVE THE CHILDREN SAID ABOUT FOREST SCHOOL SESSIONS AT ST EDMUNDS?

WHAT HAVE THE PARENTS SAID ABOUT FOREST SCHOOL SESSIONS?

YEAR 4 RESIDENTIAL

Each year, Y4 pupils from St Edmunds and St Josephs attend a three day residential in Horstead, Norfolk. The children have a fantastic time trying out different adventurous activities including rock climbing, archery, river canoeing, team building games, table tennis, low ropes course, zip wire and more!

CHILDREN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT THE TRIP

On the residential I really enjoyed the archery. It was really fun and I really want to go again.

On the residential trip I really enjoyed making friends with St Joseph’s children and they were Henry and William.

I enjoyed the zip wire. It was fantastic but I was scared because the lady said that it was 9m high but I completed my goal!

I loved archery because I have always wanted to do it and finally I had an opportunity.

I liked that the instructors were so kind.

I really enjoyed the low ropes because I love getting muddy and it was fun being blindfolded.

I enjoyed the pool table, hot chocolate and the zip wire. They were all fantastic. For me it was the best time of my life.

The funniest thing that happened on the residential trip was the zip wire and Mrs Copeman jumping off the tower.

I enjoyed the canoeing the most because it was a soaking experience!

I liked the zip wire because I’m trying new stuff like team activities, archery, low ropes and canoeing. I loved the rooms and the food. Best trip ever!

PE AND SPORTS

Our extra-curricular programme is extensive and includes lunchtime and after school clubs and inter school competitions. The majority of our after school clubs are run by our committed teaching staff and are delivered with high levels of enthusiasm and knowledge. Our current programme includes football, rounders and netball. We also enter a variety of competitions with our school teams.

The PE and School Sport Premium introduced to schools is used to build upon our successes and help us to develop even better access to high quality PE, and foster a lifelong love of sport and embed knowledge about the benefits of sustained physical activity.

We are committed to high quality continual professional development for all our staff, not just teachers. As this competency is developed we will be able to secure a sustainable change and improvement to benefit our children and their families. Please come and join us and enjoy a healthy active lifestyle with us.

PUPIL VOICE

At St Edmunds we ensure that the children have a key role in governing the school. Amongst others, we do this through the School Council, Eco Council and through our Junior Road Safety Officers. Please read on to find out more!

SCHOOL COUNCIL

What is the School Council?

The School Council of St Edmunds Primary School consists of two representatives from each class, from Early Years to Year 5. The Council meets frequently, at least once every half-term, to express views and make decisions.

Staff are always keen to know the views of our pupils. For example, following curriculum-enrichment weeks, the introduction of new school initiatives and current themes that the school is focusing on.

The school council played a key role in the formulation of the Learning Bricks which relate to the Learning Characteristics that underpin the development of all of our pupils as successful learners. They introduce these to the whole school each week in assembly and we celebrate pupils who have demonstrated these characteristics to others during the week.

Recent decisions have included:

• How we could raise money to buy new playground equipment.
• How to improve lunchtimes – what games they’d like to play, what equipment we should buy.
• How to encourage full attendance from all pupils.
• Design decisions for the new building

Representatives of the School Council are very much active citizens. They have begun writing to the parents to share their views and ask for their support in key issues too.