Learning at Woods
At Woods, children can learn with us from 18 months right through to the end of Year 3 (with Year 4 coming soon).
We follow the British curriculum all the way through: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in our Kindergarten, then Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2 in our Junior School.
In the early years, play is at the heart of everything we do. Much of the day is child-led: children follow their own curiosity, and our teachers join in and gently guide the learning. A den in the forest becomes a counting game, and a worm in the garden sparks a week of discovery. Add in stories, songs, early phonics and numbers, and children build the language, confidence and friendships they need for everything that comes next. More about our Early Years
As children move into the Junior School, lessons become more structured and the academic expectations rise. English, Maths are taught every day, and children become confident readers, writers and thinkers. But we never lose that sense of curiosity. Children still get plenty of chances to ask their own questions, follow their interests and learn by doing.
Some things never change, though. At every stage, nature is part of the school day, not an occasional outing. Our forest campus is a living classroom, and children learn as much outside as they do at their desks. We believe fun and learning go hand in hand, and that children do their best work when they're curious, happy and know they belong.
At Woods, nature isn't just a pretty backdrop. It's part of how children learn and grow. We see it every day: children who are calmer after time outside, who concentrate better, who come back into the classroom bursting with questions.
There's a growing body of research that backs this up, linking time in green spaces with better attention, lower stress and healthy development. That's why the forest is part of every school day here, not an occasional outing. We want our children to be healthy, happy and resilient, and to thrive both in the classroom and beyond it.
Living classroom
At Woods, we believe learning should be memorable, and some of the best learning happens outdoors. Our forest is an extension of the classroom: a space that's always changing, and one that keeps children curious.
Our outdoor spaces are used every single day to bring the curriculum to life. Our youngest children hunt for minibeasts, plant seeds in the shamba and watch birds from our bird hide. Older children measure tree trunks for maths, carry out science investigations in the forest, and track rainfall in rain gauges they've made themselves, which is a great hands-on way to learn about measurement and data.
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Learning outside isn't a break from "real" learning. It deepens children's understanding, builds their physical and emotional wellbeing, teaches practical life skills, and gives them a real love and respect for the natural world.
Serious About Play
At Woods, we know that play is so much more than just a way to pass the time; it is the heartbeat of childhood. For a child, playing is their most important work. It’s how they figure out how the world works, sparking the kind of problem-solving and creative thinking that stays with them for life.
Whether they are building a den or navigating a game with friends, children are learning the art of negotiation, the strength of collaboration, and the grit to keep going when things don't go to plan. In these moments of pure imagination, they find the space to explore their big emotions, build their confidence, and simply be themselves.
By creating a world that's rich with adventure and discovery, we give our children the room to grow into resilient, kind, and curious individuals—ready for whatever their future holds.
Kenyan Roots, Global Wings
At Woods, our roots are firmly planted in Kenyan soil. We love our culture and the vibrant traditions that make this country so special, and we make sure our children feel that connection. From the stories we share, to the local heritage woven into our lessons, we grow a deep respect for our home and the beautiful landscape that surrounds us.
At the same time, we want to give our children the wings to see the whole world. We encourage their curiosity about different languages, cultures, and ways of life, helping them understand that while we all have our own stories, we are all part of one big global family.
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By nurturing both their Kenyan roots and their global wings, we help our children grow into kind, confident, and responsible citizens—ready to make their mark on the world, wherever their journey takes them.