At WDPS we strive to give our children the opportunity to develop useful life skills that will help them to set and achieve aspirational goals.

We have created a bespoke Bushcraft Area so that all of our children can experience nature and learning outdoors in a very special environment. The Bushcraft Area includes a tree house, a fire pit and zones created for specific skills acquisition. It is enclosed on all sides by a tall, wooden fence and it is accessed via a willow tunnel which leads to the imposing entrance doors.

In the Bushcraft Area children develop their Multiple Intelligences and self-confidence whilst learning to manage risks. When you visit our Bushcraft Area, you will hear laughter as adults and children alike develop a wide range of practical skills and acquire a broader knowledge base.

WDPS Bushcraft includes the following elements:

• Tool use, Safety and Maintenance (Vegetable peeler, billhook, loppers, bowsaw and sheath knife)
• Shelters (Tents, tarps and natural resources)
• Knots and Lashings
• Fires and Cooking (Construct different types of fire and prepare and make meals)
• Flora and Fauna
• Creative Thinking and Art (Planned into the International Primary Curriculum)
• Team Building and Group Work

WDPS Bushcraft Area - An Overview for Parents and Carers

Rationale for WDPS Bushcraft

At WDPS we strive to give our children the opportunity to develop useful life skills that will help them to set and achieve aspirational goals.

We have created a bespoke Bushcraft Area so that all of our children can experience nature and learning outdoors in a very special environment. The Bushcraft Area includes a tree house, a fire pit and zones created for specific skills acquisition. It is enclosed on all sides by a tall, wooden fence and it is accessed via a willow tunnel which leads to the imposing entrance doors.

In the Bushcraft Area children develop their Multiple Intelligences and self-confidence whilst learning to manage risks. When you visit our Bushcraft Area, you will hear laughter as adults and children alike develop a wide range of practical skills and acquire a broader knowledge base.

Skills and Knowledge

Several members of staff (A minimum of one from each Phase) and the Head Teacher have completed the Level 3 Forest School Practitioner Award (An A Level equivalent Award). Other staff members and WDPS Governors have completed the Level 1 Forest School Practitioner Award. These have both been  excellent, practical courses for improving our skills.

We have created a whole school programme of work from Foundation Stage up to Phase 3 so that all children can benefit from learning outdoors in the WDPS Bushcraft Area. We then develop our children's skills and strengthen their knowledge by visiting more diverse, offsite environments. The programme is highly practical and children develop skills and expertise at their appropriate level of development.

By using the Bushcraft Area regularly, children are able to build on previous learning and skills. Each activity is built up through a series of small achievable tasks that help to develop resilience and self-confidence.  In this way the children are encouraged to challenge themselves and to enjoy experiencing success.

WDPS Bushcraft includes the following elements:

• Tool use, Safety and Maintenance (Vegetable peeler, billhook, loppers, bowsaw and sheath knife)
• Shelters (Tents, tarps and natural resources)
• Knots and Lashings
• Fires and Cooking (Construct different types of fire and prepare and make meals)
• Flora and Fauna
• Creative Thinking and Art (Planned into the International Primary Curriculum)
• Team Building and Group Work

Further Information
Please ask any of the following members of staff about the learning opportunities that your children will enjoy: