Croydon Mayor attends Elmhurst School’s Forest School celebration

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Croydon Mayor attends Elmhurst School’s Forest School celebration

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The Mayor of Croydon was among the special guests to attend a celebration in the sunshine in Littleheath Woods, Selsdon, on Friday afternoon, as Elmhurst School for Boys marked five years of their Forest School programme.

Elmhurst has been running weekly Forest School sessions for pupils since 2013 and as Elmhurst’s Head Boys Ashvin and Samih (both 11 years old) explained, “It is teaching us the importance of being active and healthy outdoors, rather than being inside using technology all the time.”

The afternoon included a presentation to The Friends of Littleheath Woods and Croydon Council to thank them for their continued support of Elmhurst’s Forest School. Pupils also sang songs and read poems that they had composed themselves, to celebrate the occasion.

Originally developed as an initiative in Scandinavia and growing in popularity in the UK, Forest School allows learners the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding of the outdoors, through practical, hands on experiences.

Elmhurst School’s Forest School programme provides boys from Nursery to Years 6 with the opportunity to expand their learning beyond the classroom and to explore their natural surroundings, helping them to develop an appreciation and respect for nature, whilst providing invaluable opportunities for developing problem solving skills, initiative, co-operation and physical development.

Mrs Tanya Mawanda, Head of Lower School and Forest School Leader at Elmhurst, explained, “Forest School brings learning to life for our pupils and allows them to connect with nature, as well having a lot of fun. The outdoors is the best kind of classroom, providing real life, practical and meaningful learning experiences. The positive relationship our children are building with outdoor spaces is contributing to their active, healthy lifestyles and positive mental health. This is essential, especially in the light of the obesity crisis and the stress of a fast-moving technological world. Forest School provides long lasting, memorable experiences and encourages all our pupils to care for the environment, helping to ensure a sustainable future for our green spaces in Croydon.”

For more information about Elmhurst School, please visit www.elmhurstschool.net