“This is the best kind of classroom, It’s a journey through time and space, From the smallest seed to the largest tree, This is a Forest and a learning place.
This is the best kind of classroom, Where the seasons don’t happen in books. Where the learning is watching and thinking and talking And everyone notices, everyone looks.”From ‘The best Kind of Classroom' by Ian MacMillan
What is Wild Tribe?
Wild Tribe has been based on the principles of Forest schools which was developed from the Scandinavian education system and is about young people building self- esteem and independence through exploring and experiencing the natural world. Forest Schools is a long term programme delivered by trained practitioners within a natural environment (not necessarily a Forest!). The main difference between Forest Schools and Wild Tribe is that Wild Tribe has been developed by teachers and practitioners working alongside each other to ensure that units of exploration have been developed, which meet the needs of all learners not just early years and meets the requirements of the new national curriculum covering a range of curriculum areas. Each Wild Tribe unit of exploration is tailored to meet the needs of individuals within that group and is continuously developed as the young people grow in confidence, skills and understanding as a result of their exploration.
What will the children be doing?
The Wild Tribe routine varies depending on the site, however it may include : Natural crafts – making necklaces from elder, crowns or dream catchers from willow, collages from natural materials, weaving with long grasses, tree cookies, etc Mud sculptures Shelter building and knot tying Tree climbing Using tools for a purpose – such as peeling bark from sticks with potato peelers to make toasting forks. Fire building and cooking on a camp fire Activities linked to literacy, numeracy, science or a topic. Sessions are planned around the individual’s and group’s needs, and built upon each week. All Wild Tribe Practitioners are qualified through nationally recognised and accredited training, therefore ensuring Wild Tribe is a high quality learning experience. The earlier sessions will concentrate on safety; establishing boundaries and routines. As the pupils develop in confidence and familiarity with the environment the sessions focus on the development and consolidation of skills and understanding, and link further with national curriculum areas.
What are the benefits?
Wild tribe supports the holistic development of the pupil: Health and fitness – Being active in an outdoor, natural environment. Increased emotional wellbeing – There is research available supporting this. Social development – Communicating, and negotiating with peers and adults to solve problems and share experiences. Skills development – Developing fine and gross motor skills and coordination for real purposes. Gaining knowledge and understanding – Multi–sensory, real-life learning. Individualised learning – Careful observation allows adults to tailor support to pupils’ own interests and stage of development. Curriculum Links – Wild Tribe supports many areas of the National Curriculum
Health and Safety
The health and safety of all participants is central to everything done within a Wild Tribe programme. Wild Tribe Practitioners are fully trained in risk assessment and emergency outdoor first aid. Every Wild Tribe programme will have: a Health and Safety policy; a seasonally and daily risk assessed site; risk assessments for activities; first aid and emergency equipment. Some of the activities the pupils may participate in are ‘higher-risk activities’ (such as campfire cooking or tool use). However, these activities are not available to the pupils until certain behaviours and boundaries are established. Pupils are encouraged and supported in recognising and managing risk for themselves, through real life situations and experiences.
What does me child need to bring?
Your child just needs to bring themselves. However, what they wear is important. The children must wear long trousers and long sleeved tops and have waterproof jackets and wellies or old trainers.
Please be aware that these clothes are likely to get dirty at times.
The sites have some natural features (we may import natural materials such as sticks, logs, leaves and seeds) The sites are safe; thoroughly risk assessed and managed appropriately by trained practitioners.
Pupil Parliament
Our new Pupil Parliament is structured much like the government as it is made up of different representatives linked to our school values: Equity, Equality, Perseverance, Inspiration, Integrity and Gratitude.
Pupil Parliament promotes pupil leadership opportunities, enabling children to develop valuable communication, organisation and debating skills through key roles of responsibility and new experiences. Pupil Parliament benefits the whole school, pupils and teachers because it provides opportunities for pupils to communicate their opinions as well as influence the decisions that are made on their behalf and additionally promoting the school values. Pupils relish the opportunity to become a greater part of school life and culture and enjoy making their voices heard.
Our new ministers are:
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