About Us
Enhancing Lives through Outdoor Learning
Willowbank Education stands as a pioneering initiative, leveraging the natural environment to enrich the lives of children and young people who engage with our programs. Situated on 26 acres of Wood and Wetland in Chislet, our institution offers a unique educational experience that combines the outdoors with expert guidance and nurturing support.
Participants in our program are immersed in a meticulously curated outdoor setting, where they engage in sessions led by our proficient Forest School leaders and Angling Coaches. Our dedicated staff, well-versed in diverse practical experiences, tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of each individual. Rooted in years of educational expertise and a genuine enthusiasm for expanding horizons, Willowbank Education provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
One of our core principles revolves around maintaining intimate class sizes, ensuring a personalised and enriching atmosphere that fosters growth and development.
Program Highlights:
Forest School: Our Forest School leaders introduce a range of stimulating activities designed to pique curiosity and encourage self-development within the group. The activities, often student-led, are shaped by individual initiatives and are expanded upon by our leaders. Typical engagements include:
Fire Management: Teaching essential safety practices in handling fire.
Culinary Skills: Catering, preparing, and cooking food and beverages in an outdoor setting.
Creative Pursuits: Woodland arts and crafts, storytelling, creative writing, and imaginative role play.
Handicrafts: Woodcraft activities utilising simple hand tools and natural resources.
Outdoor Exploration: Natural play, sensory activities, orienteering, team building, and den building using natural resources or tarpaulins.
Ecological Understanding: Pond dipping, species, and plant identification.
As students progress, they gain familiarity with their surroundings, facilitated by the secure routines we instil. Encouraging self-initiated play and idea development at their own pace, we observe individual learning styles, stretching and challenging learners appropriately. Our approach enables us to provide tailored support, facilitating continuous learning and growth. We collaborate closely with schools, leveraging students' skills to enhance their daily lives and classroom experiences.
Fishing: Under the guidance of qualified instructors, our fishing sessions occur in a safe environment. Participants not only learn the art of fishing but also gain insights into habitats, food chains, and ecological intricacies. Fishing becomes a conduit for self-reflection, utilising the natural surroundings to foster emotional well-being, improved behaviour, and self-regulation in our participants.
At Willowbank Education, we are dedicated to nurturing young minds, fostering a profound connection with nature, and empowering individuals to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
