Newick Church of England Primary School

'Be courageous, be strong; Do everything in love.'

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning Progression Maps

Forest School Progression Map

Garden School Progression Map

Garden School

What is Garden School?

 Taking care of our local environment, as well as improving the children’s understanding of rural Britain is a hugely important part of the Newick School Curriculum. Forest School, which takes place in our local woods, has been running for many years and our children leave school with a passion for the outdoors. A couple of years ago we introduced Garden School as a way of teaching the children how to sow and harvest vegetables and fruit. Our allotment area, with the help of many parent volunteers, has been transformed. The generous grant from the Parish Council has helped buy a new shed to store our new tools.

Each year group will spend six weeks managing the garden. The activities include building raised beds, learning about plant life through practical activities as well as reading articles about garden management.  Here is our timetable for the academic year.  Please ensure when it is your child's turn that they come with a suitable change of clothes, coat, hat and wellies or old shoes (all weather dependent).  Keep an eye on Ping for groups nearer the time, and if you are able to come in and support we always welcome parents and carers who are willing to get stuck in!

Term Class Date and Time
Term 1 / Sept 2023 2 Tuesdays 1:15 - 15:00
Term 2 / Nov 2023 1 Tuesdays 1:15 - 15:00
Term 3 / Jan 2024 5 Tuesdays 1:15 - 15:00
Term 4 / Feb 2024 4 Tuesdays 1:15 - 15:00
Term 5 / April 2024 3 Tuesdays 1:15 - 15:00
Term 6 / June 2024 6 and R Tuesdays 1:15 - 15:00

The children also use their produce when cooking and have the opportunity to taste fruit and vegetables they may not otherwise have come across. 

As well as the Parish Council grant, B&Q in Burgess Hill donated two raised beds and 100 litres of compost. Many parents have also kindly donated seeds, bulbs and plants. We are grateful to receive all donations. 

Read below to find out more about our local supporters Plants4Presents. 

Our local supporters 

Click on the logo below to go to the website for Plants4Presents:

We’re absolutely delighted to help the gardening club at Newick School. We’re a family of gardeners at Plants4Presents and it’s so nice to have the chance to help bring that love of growing to the next generation!

Garden School

A selection of pictures from this year's Garden School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest School

What is Forest School?

Forest School at Newick C.E. Primary School provides all pupils the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences. It also allows staff to observe the children in order to then encourage and inspire individuals to achieve through careful scaffolding and facilitating. Forest School provides pupils with the opportunity to explore their local environment throughout the different seasons and to develop an understanding of how they can take responsibility for preserving the natural world that they live in.

We support the six principles of Forest School, which were agreed by the UK Forest School community in 2011 and we use these to underpin our planning and provision of Forest School at Newick CE Primary School.

  1. Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
  2. Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
  3. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
  4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
  5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously   maintain and develop their professional practice.
  6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

Timetable

Reception class Forest School is held every Wednesday morning after the children have settled into school. 

Term Class Date & Time
Term 1 / Sept 2024 Year 6 Thursdays 1.10pm - 3.15pm
Term 2 / Nov 2024 Year 5 Thursdays 1.10pm - 3.15pm
Term 3 / Jan 2025 Year 3 Thursdays 1.10pm - 3.15pm
Term 4 / Feb 2025 Year 1 Thursdays 1.10pm - 3.15pm
Term 5 / Apr 2025 Year 4 Thursdays 1.10pm - 3.15pm
Term 6 / June 2025 Year 2 Thursdays  1.10pm - 3.15pm

For health & safety it is important we have extra parent help during these sessions.

Forest School Policies

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