The Bracken Outdoors Podcast
The podcast for outdoor professionals where we deconstruct the skills, attitudes and knowledge you need to help you earn a living in the great outdoors. Join us as we interview Forest School Leaders, discuss bushcraft philosophy, dive into nature as therapy, and dissect business structures. Hosted by Bracken Van Ryssen of Bracken Outdoors.com
The Bracken Outdoors Podcast
Episode 137 - Does Forest School Support Academic Achievement?
Does Forest School support academic achievement?
In this episode, I explore the relationship between forest school and academic learning, and why supporting the development of the whole child is a vital foundation for later academic success.
I look at:
- The difference between forest school learning and classroom academics
- How time in nature supports holistic development
- Why social and emotional growth is a prerequisite for strong academic outcomes
- Why we should be challenging the education-first principles of the school system.
Forest school isn’t about replacing academic learning — it’s about creating the conditions where children are ready to thrive in school and beyond. For educators, parents, and leaders, this perspective helps make sense of how forest school supports achievement in a deeper, more sustainable way.
If you’re interested in the educational philosophy behind forest school, and how it can transform both children’s experiences and outcomes, this video is for you.
The Forest School Podcast episode "compliance vs engagement" https://open.spotify.com/episode/7z5yOZD6mKrjsTNktk1TsD
The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space.
Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps
Free Resources:
+ How to choose a tarp guide
+ Forest School Activity Ideas PDF
+ The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader
To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/