Unlike traditional methods, a forest school is not limited to a fixed curriculum, but allows students to learn by doing, develop social and emotional skills, and build confidence through hands-on experiences in a natural environment.
What is a Forest School?
The term forest school refers to an outdoor education methodology that uses natural environments as a setting for active and meaningful learning. Originating in the United Kingdom and rooted in Scandinavian educational traditions, this approach places the child at the centre of the experience, encouraging curiosity, exploration and self-motivation through contact with nature.
Out there we learn how to observe, to think and to ask questions. We work together, solve problems and take responsabilities for what we do. It feels like a real adventure.
Benefits of the forest school approach
- Holistic development: enhances physical, emotional and social skills through real-life, collaborative experiences.
- Connection with nature: natural environments encourage creativity and reduce stress.
- Confidence and autonomy: by facing real challenges, pupils gain self-confidence.
- Active learning: forest schools transform play and exploration into meaningful educational opportunities
How forest school fits into British education
Forest school at International School Costa Brava
At IS Costa Brava, your child benefits from an education that goes beyond the classroom. As a centre that follows a British education of excellence, we incorporate forest school programmes that:
- They promote natural exploration as an extension of curricular learning.
- They encourage critical thinking and problem solving.
- They integrate practical activities with the academic content of the British curriculum.
- They take advantage of our natural surroundings on the Costa Brava to enrich physical and emotional development
This approach helps to develop students who are more resilient, curious and prepared to face the challenges of the future with a solid academic and personal foundation.
