How Forest School at The Vale Academy in Dunstable Nurtures Excellence in Primary Education

Forest School Sparks Excellence and Confidence at The Vale Academy, Dunstable

At The Vale Academy, a leading local primary school in Dunstable, we are proud to offer enriching experiences that go beyond the classroom. Since launching Forest School, we’ve seen a transformative impact on our Year 2 and 3 pupils — a true reflection of our commitment to excellence and whole-child development.

Every week, children participate in exciting Forest School sessions. These outdoor learning opportunities have ignited creativity, built self-confidence, and supported emotional well-being — qualities we value deeply at our Dunstable school.

From crafting nature bracelets to decorating tree trunks in a joyful “forest fashion show,” pupils at our local school have embraced nature with enthusiasm. In one memorable session, children explored a spider theme using bug catchers and bravely declared, “I am not afraid of spiders!” as they tossed their fact sheets into the fire — an activity designed to build resilience and courage.

Our Year 2 pupils especially look forward to Forest School every Thursday. Recent lessons have focused on fire safety, where children learned to construct fire lays and safely spark flames using flint and steel. These hands-on activities develop perseverance, teamwork, and a strong sense of achievement — all key traits nurtured at good schools like The Vale Academy.

At The Vale Academy, Forest School continues to be a powerful tool for engaging children beyond traditional lessons. By fostering personal growth, building confidence, and cultivating a love for the natural world, we are proud to be a beacon of excellence among local primary schools in Dunstable.

For more information about Forest School and why it is so impactful for our young learners, please visit:forestschoolassociation.org