Imagine a classroom where the sky is the ceiling, the walls are towering eucalyptus trees, and the floor is a grass carpet. This is the reality for Bardon State School students, whose Forest School program has become the first in Australia to be awarded approved provider status by the Australian Forest School Association.
This accreditation reflects Bardon State School's dedication to providing innovative and enriching outdoor education opportunities through the Forest School approach.
'We are enormously proud to be the first and only school in Australia to receive this accreditation' said Principal of Bardon State School, Jill Rutland.
'This achievement highlights our commitment to fostering a connection between students and the natural world and to the many benefits of looking at the educational experience in unique and exciting ways'.
The Forest School program provides a flexible learning environment that allows students of all levels to enjoy exploring and learning in wild spaces on school grounds and along nearby Ithaca Creek, while also engaging in learning that connects directly to class subject areas.
'We make sure that what we do in the Forest School complements the curriculum' said Forest School teacher Kerry Forrest.
'We've done maths assessments out by the Creek, where students learned about capacity and measurement using the natural environment. It's all about bringing learning to life in a way that connects them to the world around them.
'You see the kids in a completely different light when they're outside. Their social skills improve, and they trust and engage with their surroundings more. It's incredible to watch them grow'.
The school's Forest School journey began in 2023 with Prep classes, and due to overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and students, it has expanded to include Year 1 and 2 cohorts in 2024.
'The parents have embraced the program' said Ms Forrest.
During our recent School-led Review, Forest School was identified by parents as unique and innovative and a highly valued aspect of education at Bardon'.
The fact that it’s done by school staff, not an outside company, means it's truly a whole-school approach to outdoor learning'.