A Forest School for St Catherine's

St Catherine’s School has an amazing community that comes together twice a year for two big fundraisers. The Christmas Fayre always has lots of good things to eat, gifts, games and of course Santa. In the Summer, a Family Fun Day combines Sports Day with a Summer Fayre. Parents and children spend the whole day in school together, it really is a lovely event and it’s the school’s biggest fundraiser. This year, the Family Fun Day won't happen, so as a parent and on behalf of The Friends of St Catherine’s, I’ve set up this JustGiving page.

For both outdoor adventures and peace and quiet under the trees.

The staff and children have made great progress with a Forest School that runs the length of the playing field. It sits beneath some huge trees and has recently had a firepit installed and a pond built ready to fill with plants and wildlife.

Now, more than ever, this outdoor area is a fantastic resource, and will remain so when all of the Covid craziness has gone. The Forest School gives children the opportunity to learn while playing: they’ll be taking in science while finding mini beasts, pond life and planting; engineering in den building and using their imaginations when storytelling around the campfire.

There’s still much to do.

St Catherine's pupils would love some seating around the fire pit, a storytelling chair and a simple shelter, so that even on wet days they can put on their waterproofs and learn outdoors. There are also practical things that need to be in place, like a wood shed and safety netting once the pond is filled and planted. The children are currently deliberating the name of this special space and they would love to have an archway entrance with their chosen name across the top. You can see how much the children already love their Forest School on:

St Catherine's Facebook page

It’s such a shame that the school community will miss out on their Family Fun Day and the funds it would raise, but with your help they’ll be able to keep this project moving and fulfil it’s amazing potential. Thanks so much.

St Catherine's RC Primary School Website