At Canopy Forest School we always start any new group or year with the theme of connections. This is because it is the foundations upon which the rest of our work is built. Like all of our programmes of study the way in which we cover this theme will be different for every group of students. Their input, ideas, fascinations and interests will fuel the provision but a number of common threads will appear linked to ourselves, others and the environment.

During the first six weeks of any Forest School

programme base line assessments take place and these help us to build up a holistic profile of each member. It is from these assessments that all our future work will be based and this involves observing, reflecting and discussing what motivates and interests the group. We usually do not introduce tools or fire until we have formed good connections with a new group.