Forest School
Forest School is based on a Scandinavian idea that considers children's contact with nature to be extremely important from an early age.
At Harmony Primary we are lucky to have the use of our very own woodland on our school site. We are an official Forest School accredited by the Northern Ireland Forest School Association (NIFSA). Our fantastic outdoor setting encourages our children to embrace learning in a challenging, natural woodland environment. This nature-based learning focuses on the holistic development of the child.
In forest school, activities are provided, but rather than being adult-led, each child chooses and tailors the activity to suit them, while teachers observe their preferences and development. Children learn to care for the natural environment through their activities.
Friends of the Forest
Our school has a fabulous woodland area on site and the children regularly use the area for Forest School activities. We encourage any parents, family members or people in the community to join together at our meetings to help plan for resources and help tidy up our lovely forest area.
Click here to visit Northern Ireland Forest School Association
Forest School Success
In Harmony Primary we love to extend our learning to the outdoors. In order to develop this outdoor learning throughout the school, Mrs Hughes completed the OCN NI Level 4 Forest School Manager Qualification and Mrs Grimason and Mrs Warnock completed the OCN NI Level 3 Leadership in Forest School Qualification. Last Friday, they attended the Northern Ireland Forest School Conference and Celebration Event at Clandeboye Estate to receive their awards.
As a result of these achievements, Harmony Primary School has been awarded the highest level of Forest School Accreditation – Oak Award. Keep an eye out in the school entrance for our new plaque! We look forward to developing our Forest School activities further and to continuing to take our classroom learning outdoors.
