Meet our Forest School Lead

Jasmine Johnson, Forest School Instructor

Hello, my name is Jasmine, and I am proud to lead Forest School at Brunel School. Our Forest School program is designed to provide a safe, inspiring outdoor learning environment where every child can thrive. We believe that learning in nature is not only enjoyable but also deeply beneficial for emotional well-being and academic growth. I have worked in SEN and SEMH provisions for the last ten years and came to realise outside learning for everyone is vital to development and mental health.

Forest School is trauma-informed, meaning we create a nurturing space that supports children who may have experienced challenges. Through calm, structured activities and positive relationships, we help students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Nature offers a unique opportunity for regulation and mindfulness, allowing children to feel grounded and secure.

Our sessions cover a wide range of exciting topics that link to the curriculum and promote life skills. Children explore science by studying plants, wildlife, and seasonal changes. They apply maths through measuring and problem-solving in real-world contexts. Literacy comes alive through storytelling and reflective writing inspired by the outdoors. We also encourage creativity with art projects using natural materials, and teamwork through physical challenges and games.

Forest School is more than lessons—it’s an experience that fosters independence, curiosity, and respect for the environment. Every activity is designed to empower children, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Rights and Responsibilities

From Years 7 to 10, the Forest School curriculum develops pupils’ understanding of rights, responsibilities, safe risk-taking, teamwork, and personal accountability while fostering emotional, social, intellectual, physical, and reflective growth. Learning is play-based, student-led, and scaffolded to meet the needs of SEMH learners and those with attachment or trauma-related challenges, ensuring safety, inclusion, and meaningful engagement.

In Year 7, pupils focus on understanding human rights and responsibilities, building on prior learning about identity and belonging. They explore the UNCRC and learn to distinguish needs from wants, identify trusted adults, and follow clear help-seeking steps. Safe, structured Forest School activities nurture respect, self-regulation, fair behaviour, and oracy skills. Pupils develop confidence, empathy, and emotional literacy, preparing them for future learning about civic participation and Fundamental British Values.

Year 8 extends these foundations through play-based outdoor challenges. Pupils engage in activities like den-building, clay modelling, and seasonal crafts, taking ownership of learning and practicing safe risk-taking. They continue developing emotional awareness by recognising and managing feelings, while teamwork, leadership, negotiation, and shared decision-making enhance social responsibility. Structured support ensures SEMH learners experience success, fostering confidence, resilience, and respect. The unit also prepares pupils to consider and value the perspectives of others in the next focus on diversity and inclusion.

Year 9 further develops responsibility, collaboration, and problem-solving. Pupils refine safe risk-taking, leadership, and teamwork skills while completing more complex activities, including creative den-building, clay modelling, and seasonal crafts. Emotional regulation, empathy, and self-reflection are strengthened, supporting effective peer collaboration. Intellectual skills are developed through planning, decision-making, and evaluating outcomes, while spiritual growth is encouraged via connection with nature and mindful reflection. Tasks are carefully tailored to individual needs to consolidate safe, responsible, and inclusive engagement, preparing students for diversity and inclusion themes.

Year 10 focuses on leadership, autonomy, and self-directed learning. Pupils take ownership of learning through goal-setting, activity planning, and problem-solving in outdoor environments. Emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence continue to develop alongside teamwork, negotiation, and social responsibility. Critical and creative thinking, observation, reflection, and physical skills—such as coordination, strength, and fine motor control—are further enhanced. Engagement with nature fosters personal meaning, respect, and wonder. This unit consolidates rights and responsibilities across multiple domains, ensuring pupils are equipped to value diverse perspectives and participate safely, responsibly, and empathetically in both Forest School and wider contexts.

Across all years, the curriculum emphasises the connection between rights and responsibilities, embedding self-regulation, empathy, respect, and accountability into every activity. It provides a safe, inclusive framework that develops independence, resilience, and personal growth while preparing learners for subsequent themes of diversity, inclusion, and community participation.