News From The Forest

This summer term at Forest School, our learning has been inspired by the natural changes of the season. As always, our activities are shaped by the resources that nature provides, helping pupils to build a meaningful connection with the outdoor environment. With longer days and brighter weather, we have centred many of our experiences around one powerful natural element – the sun.

The children have been exploring how sunlight can be used creatively through an exciting and unique art form called cyanotype. This is a fascinating, 180-year-old cameraless photography process that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to create striking prints. By placing natural objects such as leaves, flowers, and sticks onto specially prepared light-sensitive paper, pupils watched as the sunlight transformed the exposed areas into rich, deep blue tones. When the objects were removed, they revealed delicate white silhouettes, capturing beautiful snapshots of nature.

This process has been a wonderful way to combine creativity, curiosity, and scientific understanding. Pupils have been encouraged to experiment, make predictions, and observe changes over time – developing both their artistic expression and their awareness of natural processes.

We have extended our explorations by experimenting with natural dyes. Using ingredients such as turmeric, spinach, and beetroot, children have discovered how different natural materials can produce a variety of colours and effects when exposed to sunlight. 

As always, Forest School continues to support the development of independence, communication, and emotional wellbeing. The children have shown great enthusiasm, creativity, and resilience as they explore new techniques and engage with the natural world.

We are looking forward to continuing our sun-inspired learning throughout the term and capturing many more beautiful moments along the way