PUPILS took to the woods in a pilot project designed to help schoolchildren reap the benefits of the great outdoors.
Sixteen Year 5 children from The Federation of Abbey Schools were invited to use the woodland at Marchbank School, Mowden Hall, Darlington.
The six-week forest school programme will see three Year 5 classes explore flora and fauna and take part in a host of outdoor activities including den making.
Marchbank principal Mandy Southwick said: “Our pupils gain a great deal from the forest school and it was great to see the Abbey children enjoying themselves so much.
“Working with other schools boosts our community links which has got to be good for education in the town.”
Abbey head teacher George Ford explained that the collaboration would enable Marchbank children to use its facilities too. “It will be a positive link for everyone involved,” he added.
The sessions are led by Marchbank KS2 teacher Andy Emmerson. He said: “The forest school ethos comes from Scandinavia and is an excellent holistic approach to learning.
“It gets the children outside in the relative wilds. It teaches them about risk, in a safe and controlled setting, and allows them to be creative.”
Abbey teacher Lisa Mercy added: “The children have been so excited about the project and have loved being outdoors and at another school. They will be talking about this for a long time to come.”
PUPILS took to the woods in a pilot project designed to help schoolchildren reap the benefits of the great outdoors.
Sixteen Year 5 children from The Federation of Abbey Schools were invited to use the woodland at Marchbank School, Mowden Hall, Darlington.
The six-week forest school programme will see three Year 5 classes explore flora and fauna and take part in a host of outdoor activities including den making.
Marchbank principal Mandy Southwick said: “Our pupils gain a great deal from the forest school and it was great to see the Abbey children enjoying themselves so much.
“Working with other schools boosts our community links which has got to be good for education in the town.”
Abbey head teacher George Ford explained that the collaboration would enable Marchbank children to use its facilities too. “It will be a positive link for everyone involved,” he added.
The sessions are led by Marchbank KS2 teacher Andy Emmerson. He said: “The forest school ethos comes from Scandinavia and is an excellent holistic approach to learning.
“It gets the children outside in the relative wilds. It teaches them about risk, in a safe and controlled setting, and allows them to be creative.”
Abbey teacher Lisa Mercy added: “The children have been so excited about the project and have loved being outdoors and at another school. They will be talking about this for a long time to come.”
