A new woodland learning space is taking shape at British School Jakarta (BSJ).
On the 20th of September, BSJ staff members and their families came together for an inaugural planting day.
Together, they planted trees to establish a dedicated space where children can explore, follow their curiosity, and build a lasting relationship with nature.
Nestled safely within the Primary School grounds, an existing tree-lined area is being enriched with a variety of trees and edible plants. Mango, pomelo, jackfruit, and coconut grow alongside pandan, lemongrass, pineapple, and others, giving children opportunities to discover the different textures and scents native to the region.
Inspired by Scandinavian practice, Forest School centres on regular visits to a natural setting, where children learn through play and exploration. BSJ’s programme has begun with Kindergarten students aged 3-5 years old, led by Lou Hudson and Kieron Eaglestone, both FSLI Level 3-trained Forest School leaders.
“Returning to the same woodland gives children time to get to know it,” says Kieron Eaglestone. “They notice changes, revisit something they started, and gradually take on new challenges. With careful support, these experiences help them build confidence, develop judgement, and learn to care for their surroundings.”
The initiative complements BSJ Kindergarten’s journey towards becoming a Curiosity Approach® Accredited Setting, extending its emphasis on natural materials, open-ended play, and children’s interests into the outdoors. Looking ahead, the school is working towards extending the Forest School experience into the Primary years as part of its longer-term development.
“The Curiosity Approach encourages us to pay attention to what fascinates children,” says Lou Hudson. “An insect beneath a leaf or a puddle after rain can prompt questions we could never have planned. Giving children time to follow those questions allows us to support learning that matters to them.”
Children will build, balance, observe, and solve problems together, developing their physical and social skills while learning to assess and manage risk within the outdoor environment, supported by adults who guide their exploration within safe boundaries.
The planting day gave the community a shared role in shaping this space. As it grows, children will return to a woodland they helped build, discovering how their actions support the environment around them. This initial event marks the first step, with further volunteering opportunities planned for the wider BSJ community as the space develops.
To learn more about BSJ Kindergarten, please visit: www.bsj.sch.id/learning/kindergarten
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