Forest School

Nurturing a Love for Nature Across Every Age Group

At Tower College, our outdoor learning and Forest School-inspired experiences are an integral part of school life. From Pre-School to Year 7 and beyond, pupils are given the chance to explore, observe, and learn in the great outdoors — developing confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Through meaningful, hands-on activities, we encourage our students to think independently, engage with the environment, and understand their role in protecting it. Outdoor learning at Tower College is not an occasional extra — it’s a powerful part of our ethos and a celebration of curiosity, resilience and wellbeing.

Forest School in Action: A Summer of Discovery

This summer term has been rich in outdoor experiences for all pupils. The season began with a whole-school project to design and dig a brand new wildlife pond — now home to pond snails, aquatic insects, and visiting frogs. The pond has become a favourite spot for observation and discussion, sparking conversations around habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

Hedgehog Awareness Week was another standout experience. Pupils from several year groups created hedgehog shelters using natural materials, proudly placing them around the school grounds. The highlight came weeks later when a hedgehog and her hoglets were spotted — proof that our efforts are making a difference to local wildlife.

Older pupils also helped construct an outdoor adventure trail using tree stumps and logs, specifically designed for younger children to develop their balance and confidence. It was heartwarming to see our youngest pupils testing their skills with such joy and determination.

Gardening, Growing, and Sustainability

Our Gardening Club has taken outdoor learning to the next level. Pupils have planted wildlife-friendly flowers, herbs and vegetables from seed, nurturing them week by week. There was great pride when they harvested their first crops — potatoes, garlic and salad leaves — which were then served fresh in the school diner.

This hands-on experience teaches far more than biology. It cultivates patience, responsibility and respect for where our food comes from. It also reinforces our commitment to sustainability — values we know are essential for the next generation.

We’re proud to be working towards the RHS School Gardening Awards – Level 1, a national recognition of our pupils’ dedication and ecological awareness.

A Living Science Lab

As part of our environmental curriculum, pupils also participated in a national biodiversity survey, collecting data on our grounds and identifying ways to improve our outdoor spaces for pollinators and wildlife. Their findings have inspired new projects — including plans to plant wildflower patches and create insect-friendly habitats across the site.

To end the term, pupils cared for live caterpillars, watching their transformation into painted lady butterflies. This magical life-cycle observation became a whole-school talking point, sparking awe and furthering understanding of nature’s delicate balance.

Why Outdoor Learning Matters

Outdoor learning at Tower College is more than time spent outside — it’s a carefully structured approach that promotes:

Resilience and risk-taking
Curiosity and independent thinking
Teamwork and communication
Environmental responsibility
Mental wellbeing and mindfulness
Real-world links to science, geography, and sustainability

These rich, real-life experiences allow children to explore with purpose, build self-esteem, and form a strong connection with nature — all while reinforcing the core curriculum.

Looking Ahead

With so much enthusiasm from pupils and staff, we are already planning the next wave of outdoor adventures — including further Forest School sessions, wildlife partnerships and hands-on conservation work.

Outdoor learning at Tower College continues to evolve — and we are proud to be growing future environmental leaders, one muddy welly at a time.