I am thrilled to share some exciting news that builds on the positive momentum we have created together this school year. As many of you know, the field that played a crucial role in supporting the infant school during the rebuilding process after the devastating fire has now been given a new and inspiring purpose. Together with the infant school, we are embarking on the development of a shared Forest School area — an initiative that promises to enrich the educational experience of our children in countless ways.

 

Introducing the Ravensdale Forest School

The concept of a Forest School is rooted in the belief that children learn best when they are engaged with the natural world around them. Our new Forest School will provide an immersive outdoor learning environment where students can explore, discover, and develop essential skills in a hands-on, experiential way. Whether it’s building dens, identifying local wildlife, or simply enjoying the freedom to learn outside of the traditional classroom, the Forest School will offer our children a unique opportunity to connect with nature, foster their creativity, and build resilience.

This project is not just about creating a space for outdoor activities; it is about cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the environment and equipping our students with the confidence and skills to navigate challenges — both in and out of the classroom.

 

A Community Effort: PTFA Fundraising

Bringing the Forest School to life is a true community effort, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the support of our Parents, Teachers, and Friends Association (PTFA). Their enthusiasm and dedication to enhancing our children’s educational experience are truly inspiring.

Our first major goal is to raise enough funds for an outdoor classroom structure — a central feature of our Forest School that will provide a sheltered space for learning and gathering in all weather conditions. Thanks to the overwhelming success of our recent School Fayre, we are already well on our way to making this vision a reality. The outdoor classroom will cost approximately £8,500, and I’m delighted to report that we have already raised just over 20% of this target.

 

How You Can Help

As we continue to work towards this exciting project, we encourage all members of our school community to get involved. Whether through volunteering your time, contributing ideas, or supporting our fundraising efforts, every little bit helps bring us closer to our goal.

The PTFA will be organising a series of fundraising events throughout the year, and we look forward to seeing our community come together to support this fantastic initiative. We are confident that, with your help, we will be able to create a Forest School that not only meets but exceeds our aspirations — a space that our children will benefit from for years to come.

 

Looking Forward

The development of our Forest School is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision. It aligns perfectly with our school’s values of being Knowledgeable, Inclusive, Never Giving Up, and Daring, as it encourages our students to learn in new and exciting ways, in an environment that is both inclusive and challenging.

 

We are excited about the journey ahead and can’t wait to see the Forest School come to life. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making Ravensdale Junior School a place where every child can thrive.

Here’s to a year of growth, exploration, and community spirit!