Sweden: Forest Learning

Sweden gave colleagues an excellent insight into how to embrace nature as part of our daily classroom life. They learned how to take a range of subjects into the outdoors; the key concepts and knowledge can still be learned in an environment that promotes well-being and a sense of calm.

They saw how Swedish children are educated holistically- learning to work as a team, risk taking, communicating well, building resilience and independence.

Adults appreciated how calm and mindful they all felt from spending time outdoors and in the forest.

In Sweden 'fika' is an integral part of the day. This involves taking breaks and sharing coffee, food and meals together whilst communicating socially. 

At Bridgewater, we have trained members of staff to achieve the Forest School school accrediitation and strive to build this into the curriculum. We will incorporate aspects of learning gained from the experience in Sweden into our outdoor learning. 

ERASMUS Trip to Spain

As part of our international work, Miss Holmes had the opportunity to visit Malaga, Spain on an ERASMUS trip and see our link school in action! The children loved the folder of work about Bridgewater that our children sent them!

It is evident that they love their outdoor learning. Their outdoor space is a project that involves the whole community. The signs were created by parents and the patchworks were made by different services, for example, the fire service. When the children arrive in the mornings, they have their routines and go straight to the garden to weed and water the plants. They recently discovered a tiger spider in the insect house! A local artist came in to design the climbing wall based on the climate, the trees and the water. The children then painted it.

There were lots of discussion-based learning opportunities in the classroom and the school was very welcoming to their visitors.

We are asking our link school questions about life there. If you have any questions, please encourage your child to write them on a sticky note and we will try to find out the answer!