

Welcome to
Forest School S.A
Get wild, get muddy, get learning


What is Forest School?
Forest School is an educational approach that emphasises the value of time spent in nature as a pathway to learning and development. Taking place in natural, outdoor settings, Forest School supports children in building skills through hands-on, experiential learning. This includes fostering social connections, boosting physical confidence and coordination, and deepening their understanding of the natural world through observation and exploration.
Forest School SA offers a weekly Forest Day program on Fridays, along with school holiday programs, community sessions, school excursions, birthday parties, and sessions for NDIS groups.
While our program draws inspiration from educational philosophies, Forest School SA is not a registered school and does not replace formal schooling. It is a complementary, nature-based learning experience designed to enrich children’s development alongside their home, school, or homeschool education.
How can Forest School benefit and support my child?
The benefits of time spent in nature are well-documented and widely recognised. Being outdoors and connecting with the natural world has a positive impact on a child's mental health and overall well-being.
At Forest School S.A, we take a holistic approach to outdoor education, fostering positive personal development across all areas of a student’s personality and character. Our core pillars are physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, and emotional growth. Activities are thoughtfully designed to support development in each of these areas. Students are met at their individual level, with experiences that are fun, achievable, and aimed at building self-awareness, self-esteem, self-motivation, and self-confidence.
Who can take part in Forest School?
Forest school provides an equal opportunity for all ages, although children under 5 years old are required to have a parent in attendance. All levels of ability and knowledge are welcome at forest school and activities are tailored to the needs, desired and abilities of the specific cohort.
Who runs Forest School S.A?
Bell Gower is a registered teacher with a Bachelor of Teaching and a Master of Education. She has worked in public schools and as an educational researcher, focusing on the benefits of play-based and nature-based learning. Bell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the outdoor classroom, creating unique and engaging learning experiences in nature.
As an advocate for hands-on, experiential education, her pedagogy encourages children to build a deep connection with the natural world—fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature. Bell is passionate about nurturing inspired, curious, and engaged learners.
All Forest School mentors are qualified teachers or early childhood educators.


Philosophy
At our forest school we believe in nurturing the whole child through a holistic approach that emphasises a deep connection with nature, experiential learning, and individualised instruction. We focus on fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity in the natural world, and encourage children to explore and learn at their own pace. Our goal is to help children develop a strong sense of self-awareness, empathy and social responsibility, while providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern world. Above all we believe in fostering an environment of respect, appreciation, and harmony, both within ourselves and with the world around us.