School celebrates gaining Forest School status (From Harrow Times)

Heathfield School for Girls, in Pinner, celebrates gaining Forest School status

3:24pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News By Emma Innes

A girls’ school in Pinner is celebrating after being officially designated a 'forest school'.

Heathfield School for Girls in Beaulieu Drive was given the status by the Forest Education Initiative.

To gain this accolade the school has planted a living willow hedge, created a ‘growing and digging’ area and built a tepee.

Early years teacher Anya Perkins will be leading the teaching in the forest area as she has qualified as a forest school leader.

Pupils in the primary school have already begun to use the area for activities including problem solving, science, caring for the environment and den building.

They have been learning to count with conkers and have been taught about how materials change when heated by toasting marshmallows.

Headteacher Anne Stevens said: “Being a Forest School will enable the holistic development and learning we value at Heathfield School for Girls, teach girls a range of skills and also contribute to our aim to promote sustainability and ecological awareness.”

Heathfield School for Girls is an independent school catering for three to 18-year-olds.