Outdoor Learning

Forest School

Practical, outdoor learning that helps young people rebuild their relationship with education — developing resilience, independence, communication and problem-solving skills away from the traditional classroom.

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OUTDOOR LEARNING IN ACTION

Hawthorn Forest School Experience

Hawthorn Education’s Forest School offers young people a different way to experience education.

For some learners, particularly those who have struggled in mainstream education, the traditional classroom can become associated with anxiety, failure or disengagement. Forest School creates an opportunity to rebuild that relationship with learning in an environment that is practical, active and engaging.

Sessions use outdoor activities and achievable challenges to develop confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork and problem-solving. Young people are encouraged to make decisions, take appropriate risks, learn new skills and recognise their own progress.

Importantly, Forest School isn’t simply about spending time outdoors. Activities are purposeful and structured around the needs of the individual learner. The skills developed through Forest School can support wider educational outcomes, including improved communication, emotional regulation, engagement and readiness to learn.

For young people receiving other Hawthorn Education services, Forest School can also form part of a wider package of support alongside 1:1 teaching, mentoring or therapeutic interventions.

Our aim is to create positive experiences of learning and achievement. By giving young people opportunities to succeed in a different environment, we can help them develop the confidence and skills they need to take their next steps in education.

Who it's for

Built around the individual learner

Our starting point is always the young person – where they're at academically, and what's been getting in the way of learning.

Struggled with classroom-based learning

Young people for whom the traditional classroom has become associated with anxiety, failure or disengagement.

Need a practical, hands-on approach

Learners who engage more naturally through active, outdoor activities than through formal instruction.

Building confidence & resilience

Those who benefit from achievable challenges that develop teamwork, independence and self-belief.

How it works

From referral to reintegration

Referral & introduction

A school, local authority or family gets in touch. We gather background and understand what's been getting in the way of engagement.

Individual session plan

We build sessions around achievable challenges suited to the learner's needs, interests and confidence level.

Sessions begin

Structured, purposeful outdoor activities develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and problem-solving.

Review & integration

Progress in confidence and engagement feeds back into the young person's wider education plan.

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Our aim is to create positive experiences of learning and achievement. By giving young people opportunities to succeed in a different environment, we help them build the confidence and skills they need to take their next steps.