Welcome to Forest School S.A
About Forest School
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.
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.
A Day at Forest School
Little Adventurers/ Big Adventurers
Our younger classes begin the day with a welcome circle and a nature hike. The rest of the day is shaped by cooperative games, nature crafts, cubby building, and plenty of free play, with breaks for morning tea, lunch (which the children help to prepare), and afternoon tea.
Activities are thoughtfully designed to meet children where they’re at developmentally. At times, children are grouped by age, with older students engaging in more intricate crafts, open-ended building and engineering projects, journaling, art exploration, and student-led small group activities.
Younger students enjoy sensory-rich, hands-on crafts that support fine motor development—such as hammering, threading, and sculpting—and are offered frequent opportunities for unstructured, imaginative play. Gross motor skills are nurtured through guided activities like cubby building, climbing, and slacklining.
Youth Club
Our Youth Club offers a unique schedule designed around both independent and collaborative learning, tailored to the interests and strengths of each group.
We begin each day with a team meeting where students set their goals, identify potential challenges, and support one another in planning the day ahead.
Students are given real autonomy over their learning, which may include hands-on projects like construction, creative pursuits such as art and design, or science-based explorations.
A highlight of the day is preparing lunch together — building community and life skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Each student receives a workbook, and dedicated journalling time is built into the day to reflect on learning and progress.
This program is ideal for young people who thrive in outdoor settings, prefer hands-on experiences, or find traditional classrooms uninspiring. It also suits academically curious students and emerging leaders seeking greater agency over their learning journey.
Students gain the most from the program when attending weekly or fortnightly. We also provide specific support for students with ADHD and ASD.