If you go down to the woods today – you’ll find a group of young children from Ramsgate Arts Primary enthralled in their latest learning adventure.

Pupils from the Reception classes are embracing life under the trees with regular visits to nearby Newington Copse with nature at the forefront of their outdoor experience.

The Forest School initiative provided by RAPS has proved both popular and successful in recent years, and it continues to be a much-loved and important part of the annual curriculum.

The school’s outdoor learning co-ordinator is teacher Jess Barnes. She explained: “Forest School provides our youngest pupils with valuable opportunities to learn and develop through hands-on experiences in nature.

“Activities such as den building, bug hunting, tree climbing, creating natural art, toasting marshmallows, and exploring the outdoor environment help children develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, resilience, creativity, and independence.

“They also build physical skills such as balance, coordination, and fine motor control, while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

“It allows the children to take managed risks, challenge themselves, and develop a lifelong love of learning outdoors.”

Based on a Scandinavian concept of embracing the outdoors, it gives children a wonderful and rare opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors in a safe, secure and hands-on woodland environment.

Head of RAPS Nick Budge said: “Since we launched our Forest School initiative it has proved to be a valuable aid to our learning programme - children always bring the skills they have learnt back into the classroom and continue the learning in the school setting. It helps inspire creativity and imagination, and motivates communication.”

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.

 

*For more information, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847