What sets us apart
​Woods School stands apart from traditional schools in several key ways.
Unlike larger primary schools with nursery attachments, Woods is fully dedicated to early years education, making the nurturing and development of our youngest learners our sole focus and expertise.
Our location within a forest area allows us to integrate nature into our curriculum, creating an unparalleled learning environment. Our campus is truly one-of-a-kind, allowing children to learn and play amidst the beauty of a natural forest, breathing clean air, listening to birdsong, and engaging in hands-on exploration, rather than being confined indoors at desks.We embrace a holistic approach to education, nurturing not only academic excellence but also social-emotional growth and physical well-being. And we aim to emphasize STEM integration at all levels, including our littlest learners, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age.
Nature Based Learning
At Woods, the outdoors serves as an extension of classrooms. Our teachers will utilize the surrounding forest to support a wide range of learning activities, from exploring insect life and identifying local plants to conducting experiments or observing animal behavior. Dedicated bird hides will provide opportunities for children to try to observe birdlife, perhaps even inspiring the next generation of budding ornithologists.
At our school, nature also serves as both inspiration and medium for our art curriculum. Children use leaves, bark, and flowers to create unique artworks. We encourage outdoor painting, nature collages, and even sculpting with natural materials.
Holistic Learning
At Woods, we believe education is more than just learning to read, write, and count. We embrace a holistic approach that nurtures the whole child, recognizing that academic success is intertwined with social-emotional well-being and physical health. We aim to support children develop strong social skills, cultivate emotional resilience, and engage in regular physical activity. We also prioritize healthy eating habits, ensuring children have access to nutritious food and snacks throughout the day.
STEM
At Woods, we believe that fostering a love for STEM should start early. We integrate STEM learning across all age groups, even with our youngest learners. Through engaging and age-appropriate activities, children will have the opportunity to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Exciting (and safe!) experiments will spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking, helping children understand the world around them and develop a lifelong passion for discovery and innovation.
Arts
Woods Kindergarten strives to nurture young artists. Our vibrant arts program introduces children to a diverse world of colors, textures, and sounds. Through playful activities, we encourage experimentation with a wide range of materials, from paints and clay to natural objects like leaves and flowers. We encourage creativity and self-expression by providing opportunities for imaginative play, storytelling, and musical exploration. Our community arts hall also plays a role, showcasing the work of emerging artists and showcasing to our young students the diverse expressions of creativity.
Shamba-time
In addition to their class learning spaces, all children at Woods will have the opportunity to cultivate a shared "shamba," a small garden patch where they will learn to grow and care for a variety of vegetables and plants.
This hands-on experience will not only teach children about gardening but also encourage a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Languages
At Woods School, we recognize that we live in an increasingly multicultural world and are committed to developing our students into global citizens. Language acquisition is a key part of this. We begin teaching Kiswahili from our youngest groups, using methods like singing Kiswahili songs to introduce the language in a fun and engaging way. This foundation is built upon as children progress through the school.
In line with the British curriculum, we formally incorporate French into our classes from Year 2 onwards. However, recognizing the importance of French in the African context, we begin preparing children for this from year 1 through engaging activities like singing French songs. We also offer extracurricular French classes to younger groups. Looking ahead, we also intend to offer Mandarin as an extracurricular activity, further enriching our students' linguistic skills and preparing them for a global future.
