Children at Bardon State School are still learning beyond classroom walls as the school’s Forest School program continues years after earning national recognition as Australia’s first accredited provider.
The school launched the program with Prep students in 2023 and later received approved provider status from the Australian Forest School Association. The program later expanded into Year 1 and Year 2, and school updates show Forest School activity continuing in 2026.
A public March 2026 post shared on the school’s official Facebook page indicated Forest School activities were continuing outdoors, with students taking part in nature-based learning experiences around the school grounds.
Outdoor Learning Remains Part of Bardon’s Approach
Forest School is presented by Bardon State School as part of its curriculum-linked outdoor learning approach. According to the Queensland Department of Education, students use outdoor spaces to complete curriculum-based lessons including maths, measurement and problem-solving activities near Ithaca Creek.
The program was designed to make lessons more practical and easier for students to connect with in real-life settings. The approach also appears in school materials prepared for families. Information shared through the school’s prep transition resources encourages children to explore nature, build confidence outdoors and develop independence through hands-on experiences.
Inclusion and Sustainability Continue Shaping the Program
The school’s Forest School profile published by the Australian Forest School Association links the program to inclusion, sustainability and environmental awareness.
The association notes that Bardon State School incorporates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into Forest School sessions while also supporting students with different learning needs, including children with disability and students learning English as an additional language or dialect.
The AFSA profile also states that the school’s environmental strategy links with groups and programs, including Clean Up Australia Day and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots.
The school’s long-term direction appears closely aligned with those ideas. Bardon State School’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan highlights inclusion, student engagement and community connection as major priorities following a school review.
Families Continue Supporting Forest School
Community support was a strong part of the program during its early rollout. The Queensland Department of Education reported that parents identified Forest School as one of Bardon State School’s standout features during a school review process. Families also supported the fact that the program was developed and led by school staff rather than external providers.
More than a year after becoming Australia’s first accredited Forest School provider, Bardon State School continues presenting outdoor learning as part of its early years approach. Along Ithaca Creek and across the school grounds, students continue using natural spaces as part of curriculum-linked learning.
Published 15-May-2026
