8:54am Thursday 23rd April 2009
By Helen Mead
Not every school has its own wood, with lofty, mature trees, winding paths, and a rustic seating area.
Pupils at Heaton Primary School are lucky to have such a wonderful natural resource on their doorstep – and they fully appreciate it.
“I love coming to the wood,” says five-year-old Sara Zamir, gazing into a petri dish into which she has put slugs and ants. “I like walking through it and collecting bugs. One day we took mirrors out and we used them to see the tops of the trees and clouds.”
Six-year-old Haris Qureshi also carries one of the circular plastic dishes, brimming with life. “I have collected five creatures,” he says, pointing to a selection of woodlice and worms. “I like coming here – once we came to the wood and looked at pictures that other children had tied to the trees.”
The two-acre wood is more than simply a place for nature walks – it is integral to the running of the school, which forms part of Heaton Children’s Services, encompassing early years day care, family support and the Acorn Centre for youngsters with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Heaton Primary, in Haworth Road, is a Forest School – part of a national initiative to bring an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. It is the only dedicated Forest School in Bradford, and is used not only by Heaton Primary, but other local schools wishing to give children a unique and beneficial experience.
Out in the wood, children can learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks, use tools, play both on their own and together, and above all have fun.
“We encourage exploration, and the children get a sense of adventure – they grow in confidence,” says Jim Mawson, Forest Schools co-ordinator for Heaton Children’s Services. “All ages can enjoy the woodland – we bring tiny tots from six months old. We not only study nature in the forest, but carry out practical activities. We have built tables and done tree rubbing. It is very hands-on.”
Accredited Forest Schools practitioner Jim has a background in adult education and horticultuire. He believes that the experience gleaned from this unique learning environment will maximise the potential of pupils.
“By taking part in Forest Schools sessions, children will develop confidence and self-esteem,” he says. “Being out in the fresh air also has health benefits.”
The woodland – which dates back hundreds of years – also gives children the opportunity to simply enjoy the outdoors. “I love climbing on the logs, and sliding down,” says Leah Brewster, six.
“It is fantastic to be able to bring the children into this natural, safe environment,” says class teacher Kathryn Bastow. “We can show them pictures until we are blue in the face, but it is no substitute for coming into a real wood.
“It fits in well with our studies in the classroom. At present we are studying growth and have been looking at the spring shoots coming through.”
The experience is child-initiated and is linked to written work, which the children produce with enthusiasm and interest.
“I’ve had some of the best writing from children after these sessions,” adds Kathryn. “And I’ve seen children who don’t co-operate with one another helping each other out.”
Through the Forest Schools outdoor classroom, youngsters can explore areas of the curriculum on a bigger scale, such as creating a Viking ship as part of their history studies.
Acorn Centre manager Victoria Carver adds: “For many children it is a different environment – we have children who have never walked on mud or looked up into trees and seen nests. It is amazing for building self-esteem and friendships.”
They are not put off by wet weather. “We supply wellies, over-trousers and waterproof coats – we come out in all weathers, except in high winds,” says Zoe Mawson, assistant head teacher at Heaton Primary School, “Children love having a splodge in mud.”
She adds: “Children have so many different needs and interests and this is a different and very effective way of meeting them. This adds an extra dimension to what we are providing in terms of the curriculum. It is great to see children from Year One coming out and navigating their way around.”
The winding pathways were made with help from the Forest of Bradford and Forster Community College. Schools using the centre include Springwood Primary and Copthorne Primary.
For six-year-old classamates Motheen Hussain and Abbas Hussain, the woodland adjoining their school is full of natural wonders.
“I’ve collected a worm, baby worm and a slug,” says Motheen. Adds Abbas: “I like collecting bugs, and I like playing around the trees.”
Schools or groups who would like more information about the sessions can contact the Forest Schools co-ordinator Jim Mawson on (01274) 363070 or e-mail him at jim.mawson@heaton.bradford.uk
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