SEEING THE WOODS FOR THE TREES
Yorkshire schoolchildren are learning the Scandinavian way as Forest schools take root in Yorkshire
A Scandinavian outdoor teaching scheme is taking root in one of our most industrialised heartlands. Kerry Bennett examines how the world’s oldest classroom has come of age.
A quiet revolution is taking place in woodlands around the country which could change the face of British education forever. Forest Schools are the ‘latest’ innovation in learning to reach our shores. They have been tried and tested by Sweden and Denmark since the 1950s and now teachers here are finally recognising the advantages of teaching among the trees.
“Children are naturally drawn to the outdoors – woodlands in particular and Forest Schools capitalise on this,” explains Peter Machan, education officer for the South Yorkshire Forest. “Woodlands are an inspirational setting for activities and challenges.” He says enjoyment is key to allowing the children build confidence while developing practical problem solving skills.
Machan’s background was as a conventional teacher. Indeed, he ended up the head teacher of a local primary school, but he has always had a passion for the ‘outdoor classroom’. He believes many children who struggle in the traditional classroom find it much easier to engage when surrounded by trees. “They focus more,” he says as he proudly shows off photographs of a group of five year olds handling saws. “It’s not difficult to understand: most of us feel more relaxed in a wood. When the formal pressure of a classroom is removed, children with difficulties often shine.”
The idea has certainly taken root in North Sheffield where 12 schools now boast a fully trained Forest School Leader, supported by a range of online teaching materials (see www.heritagewoodsonline.co.uk). At first glance the location seems strange – particularly to anyone from outside the region – after all, wasn’t its traditional steel industry built on the power of the vast Yorkshire coalfield?