Forest School Life

Mrs. Clements, the WAU Coordinator, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes throughout Term 1 to bring our new Forest School to life. Her efforts in securing funding, organising, and setting up the outdoor learning space have been invaluable. Mrs. Clements collaborated with Brian Poots from Forest Schools Northern Ireland (FSNI) to clear the land, prune trees and shrubbery, and create a sustainable and engaging outdoor classroom. Together, they designed a living wall and an outdoor learning arena, complete with seating and a campfire area.

Before Christmas, her P6 class was the first to experience the new Forest School site. They had the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature by building dens, managing the campfire, and boiling water using a Kellie Kettle to make hot chocolate. The students also enjoyed toasting marshmallows with forks over the campfire, creating memorable outdoor experiences.

A huge thank you goes to Aisling Pudsley, our resident gardener and leader of the Nature Club after-school programme. Her expert guidance and support have been essential in shaping the space, and her passion for the outdoors continues to inspire both staff and students alike. The Forest School is already proving to be an exciting and enriching learning environment for all.

There are still places available for Thursday’s Nature Club, so if you want your child to connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and the environment around them, please be sure to sign up. Nature Club offers a fantastic opportunity for students to explore, learn, and engage with the natural world in a hands-on way, under the guidance of our passionate and knowledgeable leaders. Don’t miss out on this chance to inspire your child’s love for nature! Sign up today!