Lisa Beynon (Parent)
"My boys and I have experienced forest school with Marina and what a fantastic time we all had. Marina is a very caring lady who really enjoys what she does with such passion. The boys were fully emerged in the wonderful activities and particularly liked the fire building with marshmallows and making their own mud/ nature recipes. I would highly recommend the days with forest school."
Nicole Smith (Parent)
"Marina did a Forest School afternoon for my son's Year 2 class at Lilliput Infants School. It tied in with the curriculum theme of Fire of London. The children were organised into groups and did fun, hands on and inclusive activities such as cooking bread over the open fire, taking turns using a fire lighter, making model Tudor houses using clay and playing games all based around the main theme. The children all loved it and were engaged and each one eagerly participated. Marina was absolutely brilliant at making sure that each child was included and felt safe and happy.
Her friendly, caring and enthusiastic approach was wonderful and we all had a thoroughly enjoyable few hours; both children and adult helpers. I felt that my son benefited hugely and think that Forest School experiences are great for nurturing the children's self confidence and happiness in the school environment. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Marina for any school thinking of offering Forest School opportunities for their pupils."
Her friendly, caring and enthusiastic approach was wonderful and we all had a thoroughly enjoyable few hours; both children and adult helpers. I felt that my son benefited hugely and think that Forest School experiences are great for nurturing the children's self confidence and happiness in the school environment. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Marina for any school thinking of offering Forest School opportunities for their pupils."
Michelle Smith (Deputy Head teacher, Lilliput First School)
"The children have benefited enormously from their Forest School experiences this year. Feedback from children, parents and staff has been entirely positive and we can't wait to get you back! The sessions on The Fire of London and Pirates in the Woods really enabled some of the quieter children to develop their confidence in speaking up as it gave them very positive and exciting experiences to talk about.
The practical experience of Thomas Farrynor's bakery, cooking bread on the campfire and learning about fire safety, really helped to cement their learning. Their knowledge and understanding of both facts and experiences has been greatly enhanced through this exciting way of learning and the children have produced some very thoughtful and detailed work in a number of curriculum areas as a result. The Children of the World Club (EAL) enjoyed your sessions enormously and have not stopped asking when we can do it again. They loved making dishes from around the world, whittling their flagpoles and toasting marshmallows. All of the children have taken away the safety aspects you have so carefully taught them.
Forest School has definitely boosted children's self esteem and helped to develop their teamwork and communication skills in a very exciting way. It has been a pleasure to watch the children's responses and development as you guided them through the sessions. As a teacher your sessions really enabled me to observe the children in my class as they attempted new things, took risks and helped each other. I would have no hesitation in recommending your Forest School sessions to other schools and whilst I feel that every child benefited enormously, I would strongly recommend the sessions for children who struggle in other areas. It is a fun, practical activity that will help every child to feel positive about their learning and what they can achieve."
The practical experience of Thomas Farrynor's bakery, cooking bread on the campfire and learning about fire safety, really helped to cement their learning. Their knowledge and understanding of both facts and experiences has been greatly enhanced through this exciting way of learning and the children have produced some very thoughtful and detailed work in a number of curriculum areas as a result. The Children of the World Club (EAL) enjoyed your sessions enormously and have not stopped asking when we can do it again. They loved making dishes from around the world, whittling their flagpoles and toasting marshmallows. All of the children have taken away the safety aspects you have so carefully taught them.
Forest School has definitely boosted children's self esteem and helped to develop their teamwork and communication skills in a very exciting way. It has been a pleasure to watch the children's responses and development as you guided them through the sessions. As a teacher your sessions really enabled me to observe the children in my class as they attempted new things, took risks and helped each other. I would have no hesitation in recommending your Forest School sessions to other schools and whilst I feel that every child benefited enormously, I would strongly recommend the sessions for children who struggle in other areas. It is a fun, practical activity that will help every child to feel positive about their learning and what they can achieve."
Kirsty Kearsey (Parent)
"My son has been attending Poole Forest School as an after school club since September. He loves the outdoors and nature, so I was delighted when school said they would be offering a Forest School club and signed up straight away. Marina does an excellent job of encouraging the children to explore their environment and learn new skills in an independent yet safe way. My son comes out beaming from ear to ear every week and can’t wait to tell me what he has done. I also signed him up to one morning of the Christmas holiday forest school club, which he was desperate to do. He had a wonderful time; he spent three hours playing in the mud and running through the trees! He is already looking forward to the next holiday club, and of course returning to the after school club next term."
Oliver (Forest School participant)
"I love forest school! We make stuff, so far my best thing we made was our name necklaces. I like doing the fire and making hot chocolate, it’s really tasty, and sometimes we toast marshmallows too. I like playing in the mud, it’s muddy and fun!"