Pines is a British Forest School based on the Scandinavian all weather school model and pioneered by British OCN trained Forest School practitioners. Our ethos is bred from the belief that risk taking and independent led learning are necessary to successfully support the development of young people. Our core principle places community at the centre of everything we do. We focus on the relationship between our learners and the natural world whilst promoting holistic learning. This approach guides our learners toward becoming knowledgeable, creative, intelligent, independent, confident, resilient and compassionate individuals who care for the world around them.
Pines is broken up into three distinct areas. Pines Forest School, Pines Primary and Pines Foundation. Following the same core principles and ethos. Inclusivity, promotion of wellbeing and independence and positive educational experiences. What started in August 2019 with three children, one Forest leader and a backpack has evolved beyond any expectations we had.
Pines offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to themselves and the environment, safely at our inclusive Forest site. We use a range of learner centred processes to create a base for development and learning. We spend 100% of our time outside, working closely with individuals across a range of abilities and age groups, creating a community that cares for environment as well as each other.
Our Values
Demonstrate +
At Pines, children are encouraged to independently explore their surroundings and lead their own learning. Throughout the day, our teaching team demonstrate skills such as tool usage and fire building, in a manner which is inviting - and safe - for children. These methods build independence as well as allowing children the opportunity to choose to take part in positive led activities.
Environment +
Our Forest School leaders and support staff ensure the learning environment is rich and stimulating and engages the children thus supporting their learning and development.
Encourage +
Come rain or shine, the children will be outside experiencing nature. We encourage the children to interact with one another and the world around them, to be brave and adventurous. Practitioners step back and allow children independence without constant interruptions.
Holistic learning +
At Pines, we give children the opportunity to express themselves in a caring, relaxed and nurturing environment well away from the four walls of the classroom. Pines Forest School provides a platform to build on some of the most important learning: that which takes place outside those four walls.
Freedom to play +
At Pines, we always keep careful watch over the children yet we always grant them the freedom to choose their own activities and games. We take a step back and observe from a distance allowing the children the space to trial, experiment and play.
Flow +
Allowing children the independence to deal with challenging situations - rather than relying on the teachers. Our team is trained to avoid interrupting a child's ‘flow’ (Mihaly Cziksentmihaly). Children are given the freedom to learn by experience.
‘Risky-play’ +
We educate children in potential dangers and benefits and how to make educated decisions based on calculated risks. This method is proven to increase confidence and positive decision making whilst promoting resilience, independence, bravery and overcoming of fears and anxieties.
Emotional development +
We recognise the impact self-esteem has on emotional development and in turn how this affects intelligence. Allowing children to be independent in a safe, calm and positive environment allows for failure and success within their own personal self. Whilst the space in the forest provides children the freedom to make and learn from their own mistakes.
Forest Schools Ethos and Philosophy
Forest School is a long term process with daily interaction with natural space, not a one-off visit. Planning, adaption, observations and reviewing are integral elements. Pines offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves in our safe and inclusive Forest site whilst using a range of learner centred processes to create a community for development and learning. We spend 100% of our time outside, working closely with individuals across a range of age groups and abilities creating a community which cares for each other and the environment around us.
All weather, all season child-led outdoor learning
Reintroducing children to nature. Educating in risk and benefit
Courses in tracking, flora and fauna identification, shelter building, tool usage, knots, fire safety and woodwork
Supporting learning toward becoming knowledgeable, creative, brave, intelligent, independent, confident, resilient and compassionate
Simply, we allow our children to be children.
Wellbeing and development
Everyday come rain or shine children will be outside interacting with the natural world. We encourage children to interact with one another and the world around them, be brave and adventure. Practitioners step back and allow children to do this independently without the constant interruptions. Children do however have the opportunity to seek advice from their teachers and ask for support in activities such as tool usage and identification.
Community
At Pines we don’t want our children and parents to be strangers, we encourage parents to join around for a cup of coffee in the morning and see some of the exciting work being done. Regular free of charge courses will be available to those parents who wish to know a little bit more and take an active part in our Forest community.
Ecosystem
With the Forests around us getting smaller it is vital both the current generation and the next set of generations understand the importance of supporting our natural world. Children will be taught about our ecological impact, help repopulate areas of the Forest and in time themselves, pass on their knowledge across generations.
