Enrichment

Forest School

At Manor Oak Primary School we run half term blocks of Forest School for Nursery, Reception and Years 1-6. In addition to this, we have an after-school club called the 'Forest Adventurers' where children further enjoy their Forest School experience.

Forest School encourages the children to explore using their own ideas and imagination. Most activities are child led, to allow the children to investigate and problem solve in areas that they are interested in. This will help develop independent, self-motivated thinkers. Activities are put together in small manageable steps that we scaffold to allow the children to develop the skill they are learning, at their own pace and level.  By helping the child to succeed in their task, it boosts their self-esteem and confidence. Research shows that being outdoors improves mental health, communication skills and social relationships.

The Benefits of Forest School include:

•  Developing a respect for our natural environment
•  Encouraging resilience
•  Improving physical development
•  Enabling children to be self-motivated
•  Encouraging independence and risk taking
•  Supporting the development of self-esteem and self confidence
•  Experiencing a sense of freedom

The children carry out various activities in groups, pairs and on their own. They can play hide and seek, build dens, make mud sculpture/faces, go bug hunting, investigate weather, collect, and sort various natural materials and much more. Children need time to explore their feelings, thoughts and relationships and at Forest School they have time to do this, whilst developing an understanding of the world around them and its environment.

Music

Music lies at the heart of our experience at Manor Oak. Children benefit from being able to access enriched opportunities. This includes being able to explore a wide range of instruments, such as djembe drums, flute, recorders, glockenspiel, ukelele, guitar and piano. Peripatetic lessons are held during the school day, and we are proud of our accomplished choir.

This year, our choir and orchestra performed at the prestigious Bromley Proms event at the Fairfield Halls.  

BYMT (Bromley Youth Music Trust) are celebrating the achievements of school by launching the local area Music Hub based at Manor Oak. 

The benefits of Music include:

• Supports the development of the brain.
• Creates neural pathways to improve cognitive function and memory.
• Expands vocabulary through songs and rhymes leading to more effective communication.
• Enhances self-expression through emotions and language.
• Builds self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.