Why Forest School
At Expanse Learning Wigan School, we believe that learning is not just confined to the classroom. Research shows that purposeful outdoor learning supports academic growth, encourages academic curiosity and leads to improvements in students’ behaviour, attitudes, attendance and engagement at school.
Set in the heart of Deanwood, a vibrant woodland with over 7 acres to discover, our Forest School curriculum supports student’s development intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. We also see, daily, how our Forest School setting supports students’ confidence, well-being, mental health, resilience and character.
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Our Forest School curriculum and setting provides students with a nature-based educational experience, to foster curiosity, creativity and a connection with the natural world. Students engage in activities such as shelter-building, wildlife observation, and natural crafts. Through play and discovery, they learn to solve problems, work as a team, and develop an appreciation for nature and the environment.
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The Forest School curriculum also supports and underpins the core school curriculum with lots of links and opportunities to extend learning to subject such as Humanities, Art, Maths, English and PSHE.
Key Benefits of our Forest School:
- Personal Growth: Encourages self-confidence, independence, and emotional intelligence.
- Physical Development: Promotes physical activity, motor skills, and coordination through outdoor exploration.
- Academic Enhancement: Reinforces classroom concepts through real-world applications in nature, from science and math to language and art.
- Environmental Awareness: Cultivates a lifelong respect for nature and sustainability.
- Teamwork & Social Skills: Builds collaboration, communication, and empathy in a supportive outdoor environment.
What to Expect?
Students will attend Forest School sessions as part of their school timetable.
During sessions, students are encouraged to take risks in a safe, supportive environment, whether it’s climbing trees, navigating trails, or leading group projects. Our Forest School leaders guide students through age-appropriate tasks as part of a structured curriculum.
For each session, students will need a packed lunch, warm clothing and wellington boots. For those days when the weather is just too bad for even the hardiest of students, we have a snug log cabin in the middle of the woods, and by the Spring term 2025, a craft room that students will access to create and craft art pieces with anything they have foraged in the woods.
Forest School is more than just outdoor play—it’s an essential part of our educational intent that we hope will inspire a love of learning and a respect for the natural world that will last a lifetime, whilst supporting our students with personal and academic development, improvements to their behaviour and attitudes alongside attendance and engagement.
