MORE ABOUT US
The fall 2007 saw the opening of the Forest School in South Gillies, Ontario. The dream of a place where children can learn in ways that are exciting, fun, hands-on and inspiring is how it all began. This dream is of an environment where children feel valued and respected, are a part of a community that supports their uniqueness, that is gentle and kind, that feeds their curiosity and love of learning, and that helps develop their self -confidence and self- reliance and so— with much support, potlucks, ideas and the helping hands of many --THE FOREST SCHOOL.
The Forest School is an alternative learning centre that believes learning can be a wondrous adventure, and that people learn best by doing. The programs offered are hands-on, and experiential in nature. They combine freedom with form and take place both indoors and outdoors. The Forest School facilitates learning opportunities that suit the developmental age of the students-- valuing play, exploration, creative expression and naturally including things like numeracy and literacy. The classes are mixed age and small in size. There is no testing or grading.
The Curriculum
The Forest School now offers a variety of programs for different ages. They range from specific wilderness skills for adults, to creative classes and youth camps to the year long children’s Forest School semester program. The semester curriculum is largely directed by the children’s interests and what is going on in their lives and that of the natural environment. It is grounded in a desire to nurture peaceful, creative, intelligent people with an ethic of environmental and social responsibility. We have explored such topics as Lake Superior, Ancient Egypt, Circus Arts, Film Making and so much more.
The People
The Students of the Forest School are many things-- creative and imaginative, caring and compassionate, independent, willful, intelligent and inspiring. Each brings with them an unique view of the world. All are searching to learn, to be heard and understood, and to define their place in the natural order of things.
The Families of the Forest School are an eclectic collection of people who are looking for learning alternatives. Many are home schooling families, and some are attending the Forest School as a means of augmenting their children’s public school experiences.
The Facilitators of The Forest School are community members, parents, professionals, and experienced educators. The school values the knowledge and experiences of everyone.
The Space
The Forest School is located at 413 Palisades Road, South Gillies. The indoor space is full of light and air, is roomy and comfy and has an earthy and magical feel to it. The outdoor space is 130 acres with a pond, a field and forest all around. There is plenty of room for exploring, climbing, crawling, smelling, getting dirty …