Forest School
Connecting with Nature. Growing from Within. Acting for the Future.
At Amity International School Amsterdam, Forest School is an integral part of learning, is an integral part of learning (Forest School forms an authentic context for inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning.) where children develop a deep connection with the natural world while building the skills and mindsets needed for a sustainable future.
Through regular outdoor experiences, students engage in hands-on exploration that nurtures curiosity, resilience and responsibility (agency). Learning in nature becomes a powerful context for understanding global challenges and developing a sense of stewardship.
What is Forest School?
Learning Through Forest School
- Connection to Nature (Being & Relating – Inner Development Goals) – students develop awareness, mindfulness and respect for the natural world, fostering empathy for living systems
- Sustainable Thinking (Thinking & Acting – IB & SDGs) – students explore real-world environmental issues, linking their learning to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and understanding their role in creating positive change
- Resilience & Wellbeing (Self-Management – Inner Development Goals) – outdoor learning builds confidence, adaptability and emotional balance through managed risk-taking and reflection
- Inquiry & Action (Research, Thinking & Social Skills) – students ask questions, investigate ecosystems, and take meaningful action to support sustainability within their community
A Regenerative Approach to Learning
Forest School supports a shift from simply sustaining the environment to regenerating it. Students learn to think beyond preservation, exploring how they can actively restore, care for and improve the natural systems around them.
By integrating the IB philosophy, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Inner Development Goals, our approach empowers students not only to understand the world, but to shape it with awareness, compassion and purpose.