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FOREST & FARM SCHOOL
"The best classroom and the richest classroom is roofed by only the sky." - Margaret McMillan
Nature’s Den operates 1-day forest & farm school programmes across Auckland, with locations including Brookby, Churchill Park, Ambury Farm, and Little Shoal Bay.
Each programme is led by a qualified and experienced teacher, supported by passionate and dedicated educators and volunteers.
We can work in partnership with your child’s school and gain permission from their principal to receive EOTC (Education Outside The Classroom) for 1 day a week, which is legally allowed by the Ministry of Education.
WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?
Forest schooling is an invigorating, child-centred learning journey that nurtures holistic development. Rooted in play, exploration, and guided risk-taking, it builds confidence and self-esteem through hands-on experiences in nature.
Originating in Scandinavia, forest schooling - also known as nature schools or bush schools - arrived in New Zealand in the 2010s and has been growing steadily ever since. Guided by a shared developmental philosophy embraced by practitioners worldwide, forest school prioritises learner-led, outdoor education.
Beyond traditional learning, it provides a safe, judgment-free environment where children can experiment, take risks, and form a deep connection with the natural world. By embracing a thoughtful approach to risk, forest schooling empowers children to face real-world challenges, fostering resilience, creativity, and self-belief.
At its heart, the forest school philosophy recognises that risk is a natural part of life, and that true growth comes from overcoming challenges. Forest schooling acts as a catalyst for children to become confident, capable, and independent learners.
While extensive research supports the educational benefits of forest schooling, what truly matters is the joy, connection, and positive experiences shared by our learners and leaders.
WHAT WILL BE LEARNT?
At Nature's Den Forest & Farm School, children embark on a learning journey guided by their own curiosities and interests. Through our immersive, nature-centric approach, they gain skills and experiences that nurture the whole child.
Holistic Development
Our focus extends beyond academic achievement. We foster the holistic development of every child, nurturing their social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and cognitive growth.
Key Competencies
Aligned with Te Whāriki (the Early Childhood Curriculum) and the New Zealand School Curriculum, our programme is designed to strengthen key competencies essential for lifelong learning.
Flexibility and Diversity
Freed from the confines of traditional classrooms, our learners engage in a wide variety of activities each day, encouraging adaptability, creativity, and a broad skill set.
Problem-Solving and Risk-Taking
Through real-world challenges and carefully supervised risk-taking, children learn to approach problems with creativity and confidence, developing resilience and self-belief.
Social and Leadership Skills
Group activities and collaborative projects cultivate essential social and leadership skills, fostering teamwork, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Life Skills
Practical life skills are naturally woven into our daily experiences, empowering children with abilities that extend well beyond academics.
Fine-Motor Development
From whittling and crafting to hands-on nature play, our activities support the refinement of fine-motor skills, building precision, coordination, and focus.
Environmental Stewardship
We nurture a deep respect for the natural world. Through experiences like building shelters, foraging, and exploring native bush, children learn to care for and appreciate their environment.
Authentic Experiences
At Nature’s Den, children learn through doing. From climbing trees to cooking on a campfire, each authentic experience fosters growth, confidence, and a meaningful connection to the world around them.