Forest Schools
We are very excited to announce that one of our teachers has been trained as a Forest Schools Leader, and we are currently developing our grounds to enable every child in our school to participate in Forest Schools.
Outdoor learning
Silchester Primary School is currently a ‘Trailblazing’ school. For the last four years, Silchester has been awarded the green award from Hampshire County Council's Trailblazer scheme. This is in recongition that every pupil spends a minimum of 40 hours per year learning using the exciting and stimulating environments that are provided outdoors.
In well planned outdoor learning situations young people can achieve much – often beyond what they may be capable of in more formal or traditional learning environments.
High-quality outdoor learning experiences are proven to:
- develop reflective and inquisitive thinking along with problem-solving approaches in ‘real’ situations
- encourage holistic development of children
- develop resilience and adaptability in occasionally adverse circumstances
- allow children to become more able to identify hazards and risks
- develop a love, appreciation and respect for nature and all that is living
- develop an understanding of how we can look after our environment
- develop self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem
- develop collaborative-working and communication skills and respect the needs of others
- provide positive health benefits – both physically and mentally – and assist gross and fine-motor development
- develop a lifelong love of the outdoors
