Outdoor Learning and Forest School Skills Progression

OUTDOOR LEARNING & FOREST SCHOOL CURRICULUM

PLEASE NOTE: we adhere to the 6 principles of Forest School which are also on our website.

Year Group

Big Question

Season /Term

Subject specific skills / outcomes.

Cross-curricular with PSHCE, Science, Physical Education, Art and Geography in particular

Year 1

Theme

Minibeasts

Key Driver

Science

Big Question

Friend or Foe, how do you know?

Summer 1

Building, problem-solving and teamwork:

I can work in a team to build a shelter and animal home.

I can play team games.

Cooking:

I can be safe around a fire.

I can butter bread.

I can contribute to making soup.

Art:

I can use natural materials to create artwork that I can talk about.  (mud painting)

Tool work:

I can make a wooden owl.

I can make a wooden bug (cookie).

I can whittle vegetable characters using a peeler.

Science / Nature / Environment:

I can identify and name a variety of wild and garden plants.

I can describe the plant structure (including trees).

I can identify deciduous and evergreen trees.

I can identify and name a variety of common animals from amphibians - mammals

Physical development / healthy lifestyles:

I know how to travel safely on rough ground.

I can carry sticks safely.

I can talk about how being outside makes me feel.

Year 2

Theme

The Geat Fire of London

Key Driver

History

Big Question

Why wouldn’t you want to be in the GFoL?

Spring 1

Building, problem-solving and teamwork:

I can build a safe tower out of sticks.

I can communicate clearly in team games

I can tie a simple knot. (overhand knot and half hitch)

Cooking:

I can be safe around a fire and explain the fire triangle

I can make a simple snack (damper, toast, orange skin muffins)

Art:

I can create a natural picture frame and discuss the properties of the natural materials that I have used (flexible or non-flexible)

I can weave using sticks and wool to create God’s Eye art

I can make a stick person

Tool work:

I can saw wood with support.

I can use a palm drill (identity disks)

I can whittle a stick.

I can make sparks with a fire steel.

I can use a hammer safely

Science / Nature / Environment:

I can observe and describe how seeds and bulbs grow.

I know what I need to survive (water, food, air).

I can name and identify some trees in our grounds by using a simple ID guide.

I know simple compass directions.

I can create a 3D map using an aerial photograph.

Physical development / healthy lifestyles:

I know how to move a log safely.

I can describe the benefits to being outside

Year 3

Theme

Roald Dahl / Light & Dark

Key Driver

PSHCE / Science

Big Question

Was Mr Fox really fantastic? / Where does the dark hide?

Autumn 1 & 2 PM

Building, problem-solving and teamwork:

I can work in a team to construct a birds nest

I can begin to describe how my structures work.

I can co-operate and communicate clearly in team games.

I can use a cow hitch.

I can make a miniature shelter using natural materials.

Cooking:

I can make French bread pizzas.

I can prepare a simple snack. (Baked apples / bananas or toast)

I can toast a marshmallow on a stick.

Art:

I can lash sticks together to make a weaving frame.

I can make clay animals.

I can sketch birds.

Tool work:

I can whittle a marshmallow stick.

I can light a fairy fire with a fire steel.

I can whittle/make a creature.

Science / Nature / Environment:

I know that soils are made from rocks and organic matter.

I can group objects according to my own criteria.

I can name animals in the environment and group them.

I am beginning to know the eight points on a compass.

I can create a 3D map using an aerial photograph.

Physical development / healthy lifestyles:

I can describe my flexibility, strength, control and balance when participating in outdoor activities.

I take part in outdoor activities and challenges on my own and in a team.

Year 4

Theme

Birds

Key Driver

Science

Big Question

What makes a bird a bird?

Autumn 2  am

Building, problem-solving and teamwork:

I can make and play woodland versions of common games (eg Aunt Sally; pick up sticks;

quoits; miniature archery).

I can work in a team during wide games and scavenger hunts.

I can build trust with my peers through games.

I can make a shaduf using a tripod structure.

Cooking:

I can chop and grate to help make vegetable soup.

I can prepare damper bread and cook it on a stick.

I can make a pancake and cook it on an open fire.

Art:

I can sketch trees and plants.

I can choose shapes in nature and use them to inspire my artwork.

I can create a tree character and describe them.

Tool work:

I can light a fairy fire and keep it going.

I can use a hammer safely to make a birdbox.

I can create a wildlife home (bug hotel/hedgehog house)

Science / Nature / Environment:

I can name some common garden birds and talk about their features.

I can name the common trees in our grounds (give a tree a character activity)

I can talk about how to encourage wildlife into an area.

I can carry out fieldwork – classifying and surveying animals.

I can match tracks and other signs to animals.

Physical development / healthy lifestyles:

I can read a map and follow a course.

I can describe which skills I use when orienteering.

I can explain the beneficial effects of different OAA activities on the body.

I can warm up and prepare appropriately for different OAA activities.

I can explain why wearing appropriate clothing is important.

2 night residential.

Year 5

Theme

Shakespeare

Key Driver

English

Big Question

Macbeth; who’s to blame?

Spring 2

Building, problem-solving and teamwork:

I can build a waterproof humpy (shelter) and set up a camp

I can make constructions for different purposes: eg rafts; animal bridges; stick towers;

outdoor orchestra; sundials; water traps.

I can lead a team and work in a team during wide games and scavenger hunts.

I can lash sticks together.

Cooking:

I can boil water in a Kelly kettle.

I can make hotdogs.

I can roast chestnuts / popcorn/potatoes etc

Art:

I can plan, make and create a decoration.

Tool work:

I can make and tend a fire that I have lit.

I can plan a project (Easter decoration).

I can tie suitable knots for different purposes (shelter hitches and knots).

I can split wood using a hatchet and mallet.

I can whittle a tent peg using a stop cut.

Science / Nature / Environment:

I can recognise pollution indicators in different habitats.

I can research and test different ways to find north.

Physical development / healthy lifestyles:

I can interpret a map.

I can navigate using a map and compass (orienteering).

I can follow and make trails.

Year 6

Theme

Identity

Key Driver

PSHCE

Big Question

Fight, flight or freeze?

Autumn 1

Building, problem-solving and teamwork:

I can explain what humans need to survive.

I can work with others to research and obtain survival essentials.

I can find and identify safe wild food.

I understand the rules for safe foraging.

I can collect, store and purify water.

I can build a waterproof shelter using tarpaulins.

I can use a range of simples knots and lashes.

Cooking:

I can make hot chocolate by boiling water in a storm kettle

I can cook on an open fire.

Art:

I can use natural shapes and structures to inspire my artwork.

I can print using natural materials

Tool work:

I can light a fire using charcloth and hay and tend to it.

I can make a quadrant using knots and lashings.

I can make a tool using taught techniques (tent peg, mallet, spoon, knife etc).

Science / Nature / Environment:

I can use and create a key to identify trees and animal tracking signs.

I know how to age a tree using trigonometry.

I can identify different animal groups and describe their habitats.

I can survey an area and record statistics.

Physical development / healthy lifestyles:

I know what I need to survive – shelter/fire/food

I can navigate using natural indicators

I can take part in adventurous outdoor activities; challenging myself and behaving safely.