22nd January 25
We are excited to announce the appointment of a new Head of Forest School at Prince’s Mead. This exciting development marks the next step in the school’s commitment to ensuring that every pupil can experience the benefits of nature-based education on a regular basis.
We are now able to provide weekly forest school sessions for pupils in Nursery (from 3 years old) and Pre-Prep, while Prep pupils (up to 11 years old) will enjoy fortnightly sessions. This comprehensive program builds on Prince’s Mead’s existing outdoor learning opportunities and reinforces our ethos of nurturing curiosity, courage, and respect in an inspiring environment.
The newly appointed Head of Forest School, Iglika Hull, brings a wealth of experience, having trained to be a Level 3 Forest School Leader in 2017, and is a passionate advocate for the benefits of developing children’s self-esteem and confidence through child-led play and learning through independent exploration of the outdoor environment.
“We are excited to welcome Iglika to the team,” said Adam King, Headmaster of Prince’s Mead. “Outdoor learning has always been an integral part of our curriculum, and with Iglika at the helm, we are excited to take this to the next level. Regular Forest School sessions will give every child the chance to explore, discover, and thrive in our grounds which benefit from being within the South Downs National Park, an area with a rich and diverse ecosystem and a vibrant haven for wildlife.”
Forest school sessions are designed to encourage hands-on learning through activities such as whittling, learning about and making different types of shelters, using a range of tools, fire making and cooking on a fire, species identification, woodland management, mindfulness, craft, and using the mud kitchen. These experiences not only enhance physical and mental wellbeing but also promote teamwork, problem-solving, and a lifelong appreciation for the environment. An approach to teaching that complements the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) programme of study that Prince’s Mead follows.
Iglika Hull, the new Head of Forest School, shared her enthusiasm for the role: “I am delighted to join Prince’s Mead and build on its rich tradition of learning in the outdoors through play and exploring more of the incredible environment which surrounds the school. Forest School is about empowering children to develop confidence and independence while connecting with the world around them. I can’t wait to see the impact these sessions will have on the pupils.”
Parents and pupils have already expressed their excitement about the new sessions, with many looking forward to the chance to spend more time experiencing the joy and wonder of learning and exploration outside the classroom.
We are running a free Forest School taster session for children aged 18 months to 4 years old on Thursday 13 March 2025. Find out more and book now.