Wider Curriculum

At St. Wildrid’s we believe in enriching the experience of our children by supplementing the curriculum with a variety of exciting learning events.

We work closely with the Port of Blyth, host visiting authors, have an established forest school and gardens and everything in between!

Forest School

Forest School is an innovative and educational approach to outdoor play and learning.

The philosophy of Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. Forest Schools have demonstrated success with children of all ages who visit the same local woodlands on a regular basis. Through play, children have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.

The Forest School will take place in our school grounds. This fantastic opportunity will help the children to explore the outside world through a programme of fun and exciting outdoor activities. A sample of the activities on offer will include:

Den building
Making items from natural materials
Games
Treasure hunts

Research has shown that Forest Schools can have a powerful effect on children’s confidence, self-esteem and independence as well as an increase in social and physical skills.

What We Do

At St Wilfrid’s Primary School, we run our own Forest School that is situated within the school grounds. All classes at St Wilfrid's are encouraged to use this fantastic area with the children, we also run a Forest School session after school for the children. We have an outdoor classroom made from a shipping container from the Port of Blyth and a log circle complete with a fire pit where the majority of the teaching and learning takes place. The wide range of activities we offer are designed to develop the following:

Self Awareness
Empathy
Social communication skills
Independence
A positive mental attitude
Self-esteem
Confidence

Clothing Requirements

Forest School will go ahead in all weather conditions (with the exception of heavy winds and thunder storms) so please ensure that children are dressed accordingly.

Your child should have the following when they have a Forest School session:

Warm clothing (lots of layers, including extra pairs or thick socks) - they will get muddy – we encourage it!!
Hat, scarf, gloves (we go out in all weather)
A water/shower proof coat
Wellies are ideal if not outdoor shoes or old trainers
Long trousers

All of our activities are fully risk assessed.

Fire work/activities are implemented by trained staff members.

Tool work/activities are implemented by a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader.

STEM

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. At St Wilfrid’s we value STEM as it infuses every part of our lives. Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives. Engineering is the basic designs of roads and bridges, but also tackles the challenges of changing global weather and environmentally-friendly changes to our home. Mathematics is in every occupation, every activity we do in our lives.

By teaching STEM and giving our children opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for the area and will become ready for employment.