Building Confidence, Creativity and Curiosity Through Forest School – A Half Term Review

This half term, Forest School has been alive with laughter, curiosity, and a wonderful sense of adventure as children from Kindergarten, Prep II, IV and VI immersed themselves in outdoor learning. Across the weeks, the Forest School area became a place of discovery, creativity, and teamwork – where muddy boots were worn with pride and every session brought something new.

From the very youngest children to the oldest, mud played a starring role. Kindergarten pupils embraced the wet conditions with open arms, delighting in splashing through puddles, squishing mud between their fingers, and discovering just how much fun messy play can be. For many, this was their first experience of such free exploration, and the confidence they gained from it was fantastic to see. Prep II and Prep IV also made full use of the mud kitchen, mixing water, leaves, sticks, and soil to create imaginative “recipes,” while working collaboratively and sharing ideas. The Forest School area echoed with giggles, clattering pans, and creative storytelling as children became chefs, inventors, and explorers.

Exploration and curiosity were at the heart of every session. Kindergarten children carefully lifted logs to discover what creatures might be hiding underneath, finding worms and beetles and learning to observe the natural world with care and respect. Across all year groups, the outdoor environment encouraged questioning, close observation, and a growing connection to nature.

Practical skills featured strongly, particularly for the older pupils. Prep VI thoroughly enjoyed learning how to use real tools safely and responsibly, sawing, hammering, and shaping natural materials. Being trusted with these tools was empowering, and their growing confidence and pride in their creations was clear. Prep II and Prep IV focused on rope work, learning to tie simple knots before using them to create their own swings. These activities developed fine-motor skills, problem-solving, perseverance, and – most importantly – teamwork, as children helped one another and celebrated shared successes.

Music and movement added yet another layer of enjoyment. Prep IV experimented with outdoor musical instruments, tapping, shaking, and scraping natural objects to create rhythms, beats, and chants inspired by their surroundings. These joyful moments encouraged listening, cooperation, and creative expression, adding a lively soundtrack to the Forest School sessions.

Forest School also provided valuable opportunities for social development. Working together to lift logs, share tools, build swings, navigate muddy paths, or simply chat around the site helped friendships to grow naturally. Children supported one another, laughed together, and developed a strong sense of community in the open-air classroom.

Special moments made the half term even more memorable. Campfire sessions were a particular highlight, with toasted marshmallows eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed. Prep VI celebrated the end of their six-week block gathered around the fire, while Prep II  enjoyed marshmallows during a birthday celebration for Mrs Rooney – sticky fingers, warm smiles, and shared laughter all round.

Overall, this half term’s Forest School sessions have offered a magical blend of mud, music, tools, teamwork, and exploration. From Kindergarten’s first muddy discoveries to Prep VI’s confident use of tools, every child has gained something special – along with plenty of happy memories and muddy boots to prove it.

Thanks must go to the school’s own ‘Bear Grylls’, Mr. Connolly, for empowering the children through these sessions. From January, the sessions will switch for Reception, Prep I, II and V.