Forest & Farm School

"The best classroom and the richest classroom is roofed by only the sky." - Margaret McMillan

Nature’s Den operates 5 different 1-day forest & farm school programmes across Auckland, including in Pukekohe, Brookby, Glendowie, Ambury Farm, and Little Shoal Bay.

Each programme is led by a qualified and experienced teacher.

We can work in partnership with your child’s school and gain permission from their principal to receive EOTC (education outside the classroom) for one day a week.

Click here to book!

Letter for Principals

WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

Forest schooling is an invigorating, child-centric learning journey designed to nurture holistic development.

It is an enduring programme, rooted in play, exploration, and guided risk-taking, it cultivates confidence and self-esteem through hands-on experiences in nature.

Originating in Scandinavia, forest schooling (also known as nature schools or bush schools) found its way to New Zealand in the 2010s, and has been growing steadily ever since. Guided by a developmental philosophy shared by global practitioners, forest school prioritises learner-inspired, outdoor education.

Beyond traditional knowledge acquisition, it provides a secure, judgment-free space for learners to experiment, take risks, and forge a deep connection with the world.

Embracing a unique approach to risk, forest schooling empowers children to tackle real-world challenges, fostering self-belief and resilience.

The forest school approach believes in a holistic view of risk, recognising it's presence in every facet of life, and understanding that growth emerges from overcoming challenges. Forest schooling is a catalyst for children to evolve into healthy, resilient, creative, and independent learners.

While there is abundant research supporting the educational outcomes of forest school, what truly matters is the love and positive experiences shared by our learners and leaders.

WHAT WILL THE CHILDREN BE LEARNING?

At Nature's Den Forest & Farm School, children embark on a learning journey driven by their own curiosities and interests. Here's what they'll be gaining through our immersive and nature-centric approach:

Holistic Development: Our focus extends beyond academic achievements. We foster the holistic development of each child, nurturing their social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and cognitive facets.

Key Competencies: Aligned with the Early Childhood Curriculum (Te Whāriki) and the New Zealand School Curriculum, our curriculum is designed to enhance key competencies crucial for lifelong learning.

Flexibility and Diversity: Liberated from the confines of traditional classrooms, our students experience a diverse array of activities daily, promoting adaptability and a broad skill set.

Problem-Solving and Risk-Taking: Through real-world challenges and supervised risk-taking, children learn to approach problems creatively, developing resilience and self-confidence.

Social and Leadership Skills: Engaging in group activities and projects cultivates essential social and leadership skills, fostering teamwork and a sense of responsibility.

Life Skills: Practical life skills are seamlessly woven into our activities, empowering children with capabilities that extend beyond the academic realm.

Fine-Motor Skills: From whittling to crafting, our hands-on activities contribute to the refinement of fine-motor skills, laying a foundation for precise and coordinated movements.

Environmental Stewardship: We instill in children a deep respect for the natural world. Through experiences like building shelters, foraging, and exploring native bush, they learn to care for and appreciate the environment.

Authentic Experiences: Children learn through doing. From climbing trees to cooking on a campfire, our activities provide authentic and memorable experiences that contribute to their growth and understanding of the world.