The Scaip Project was started by a group of staff, parents and Forest School Leaders from within the DSP community in 2024. DSP was celebrating 10 years of offering Forest School to its students and the team wanted to create a space where they could share that learning with other schools across Ireland and the world. “Scaip” is the Irish word for scatter, and the project aims to scatter the “Forest School seed” grown in DSP far and wide.
As part of the project, fantastic resources have been created to help share what Forest School is and the incredible benefits it brings to each and every child.
Forest Fridays – how one primary school made Forest School happen shares the story of how Forest School has become a part of life in DSP. Teacher Jennifer Dungan shares a wealth of knowledge and experience in bringing the Forest School approach to the Irish Primary Curriculum. Forest School Leader Yuuki Blakeney has transformed hours of observations and interviews into a compelling and inspiring story. The book was edited by former Principal of DSP and Forest School champion, Miriam Hurley and features an introduction and photography from artist Liz McMahon, who has been leading Forest School sessions in DSP since 2015. Designer Jordana Gomez has brought the book to life in stunning colour!
This book is a must-read for any principal, teacher, Forest School Leader or parent who wants to learn first-hand how incredible the Forest School approach can be.
Download a PDF of the book here.
If you want to know what Forest School looks like, how the sessions are structured and hear what teachers, a principal and parents have to say about it then this is a must-watch! This video was directed & produced by Sarah Sheeran and executive produced & edited by award-winning nature documentary-maker Jamie Fitzpatrick.
The Scaip Project website, www.naturebasedlearning.ie, is a hub of information for teachers and principals interested in introducing or developing Nature Based Learning, including Forest School, in their own settings. It includes information on what Forest School is, how it supports the Irish Primary Curriculum, helpful resources, frequently asked questions… and much more! The website was designed and developed by Sarah Sheeran with the fantastic support of The Scaip Project team.
The Scaip Project is only getting started! The goal is to grow the project to be able to offer Nature Based Learning CPD courses for teachers and create digital resources to support teachers as they integrate these practices into their teaching. If you would like to help support The Scaip Project through funding opportunities, partnership or otherwise please email thescaipprojectteam@gmail.com or fill out the contact form at www.naturebasedlearning.ie
The Dalkey School Project National School or DSPNS was founded by a group of parents, who wished to have their children educated in a multi-denominational school
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