Forest School

Hemdean House Forest School offers all children the unique opportunity to build independence and self-esteem, exploring and investigating their own ideas in our beautiful woodland and outdoor spaces.

Each week our fully qualified staff support children from Early Years to Year 6 in achieving their own goals and aims in the natural environment, whether that be exploring the outdoor spaces, experiencing the freedom of woods or other environmental projects that impact the whole community.

All the children are passionate about working together as a community and take part in a variety of awards and missions.  The school is very proud that the children have achieved The Woodland Trust Green Tree Schools Platinum Award, the highest level of achievement, and a Wild Challenge Gold Award.

We have also been awarded the Eco Schools’ “Biodiversity School of the Year” – Award. This national recognition shows how committed the team and pupils are to building a better future for everyone.

The Pollution Preventers Eco Committee is working in association with the local community to help achieve “plastic-free Caversham status” whilst making a huge impact on plastic reduction in the school environment through innovative projects such as a green wall, glitter amnesty and much more.

At Hemdean House we feel that Forest School provides many added benefits which enrich the curriculum and allow every child to reveal their talents and passions whether developing knowledge, showing themselves as responsible citizens or being great team members and leaders.

We believe that Forest School equals SUCCESS for every child.

Forest School to me is a time to play and learn while enjoying the fresh air.  I love to learn about wildlife and how to keep our forest and school grounds healthy.   I think that it is enjoyable and interesting.  I love forest school so much!

Year 6 Pupil

Forest School is about learning how to respect nature and be grateful for what we have.

Year 6 Pupil

I love Forest School because it is a great way to involve your imagination to think and design things.  Forest School helps to reveal your senses to new and different surroundings.  There are some rules but they are easy to remember and not super harsh.  This lesson is very enjoyable and if you do it, you will definitely love it!

Year 6 Pupil

Forest School is one of my favourite lessons because we learn how to build dens make bird nests, toast marshmallows, take care of the garden and much more!  Some of my favourite things to do in Forest School are build scarecrows, taste/eat marshmallows and drink hot chocolate!

Year 6 Pupil

I love Forest School you get to do fun activities and learn about wildlife.  The great thing about Forest School is that sometimes you get to see animals such as foxes and deer in their habitat.  We had badgers living in the forest.  If you are good at the end of term we get to have hot chocolate!

Year 6 Pupil

I like Forest School because we learn about wildlife which is very important to our generation because of global warming and climate change.  It is also fun because we get free time which is using our imagination in the forest.

Year 6 Pupil

Forest School teaches me about protecting our wildlife and helping it thrive.  This I find fun but is made better by the activities that help me learn about important skills while also being fun!

Year 6 Pupil

In Forest School we embrace our natural surroundings doing all sorts of fun things and enjoying the fresh air.

Year 6 Pupil

Forest School is a great way to get outside and have some fun.  We learn all about nature and animals, also we do lots of group activities.

Year 6 Pupil

Forest School to me is a subject when everyone can learn about nature and it’s a subject where you can do lots of activities including planting bulbs, building scarecrows and lots more!

Year 6 Pupil