Forest Schools

Kesh Community Nursery and Kesh Primary School gained Official Forest School status in September 2023, awarded by the Northern Ireland Forest School Association. Pupils at our school take part in weekly lessons in our Forest School and thoroughly enjoy learning outdoors.

Please visit each year group's class page to see any Forest School's activities which they have been involved in .

What is Forest School?

"Forest School" is based on a Scandinavian idea that considers children's contact with nature to be extremely important from an early age. (taken from the website https://www.forestschoolsni.com ) Visit this website for more information. There is also a section for Family activities and Nature Ranger Programmes.

Why are they so important?

Learning without walls provides children an alternative environment for high quality teaching and learning
Children’s mental well-being and health benefit from being outdoors – staff too!
Connecting with nature whilst developing lifelong skills
Developing Thinking skills and personal capabilities in ways it would be difficult to do indoors.

Thank you to Fermanagh Christian Fellowship’s Men Shed for their kind donation of outdoor seating for our forest school 🌳. Special thanks goes to Mr Conaire McNeary, warden of Castle Archdale Country Park, for supplying the trees.

Please find attached a copy of a letter that explains more about our Forest School in our school grounds and the opportunities for outdoor learning. We encourage our children to explore their immediate environment and discover how they can help look after our wider world too.

There are some very useful links in the letter explaining what to wear on days your child is involved in their Forest School's lesson and how you and your family can become involved in the Forest Schools programme at home too.