Found In The Forest is a documentary that explores the Environmental School, a public school in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada which opened its doors in the fall of 2011. The Environmental School is a place where teachers, administrators, researchers, parents, and students are working together to develop a rich and unique learning environment while challenging conventional educational models.
Chapter 2: How The School Formed 00:01:18
Chapter 3: Why The Need for Change? 00:04:02
Chapter 4: Report Cards and Grades 00:10:25
Chapter 5: Place Based Learning 00:23:38
Chapter 6: Building Forts 00:27:16
Chapter 7: Learning In Place 00:30:30
Chapter 8: Learning Outdoors 00:32:31
Chapter 9: The Connection To The River 00:41:43
Chapter 10: The Challenges Of Weather 00:44:41
Chapter 11: Eco-Education 00:57:27
Chapter 12: Experiential Learning 01:04:51
Chapter 13: Mathematics 01:16:33
Chapter 14: Learning At The BMX Track 01:23:24
Chapter 15: Not Knowing They Are Learning 01:27:51
Chapter 16: The Role Of Community 01:33:24
Chapter 17: What Child Is The School For? 01:37:39
Chapter 18: Judging Success 01:41:54
Chapter 19: Transition to High School 01:45:27
Chapter 20: Hopes For The School 01:49:35
The theory and practice of the school is supported by Place-Based, Imaginative and Ecological Education. Learning and teaching is experiential, in context, and through activities that engage the mind, body, and heart.
The film investigates learning styles, ecological involvement, class structure, and the impact of outdoor learning on children.
As the parent of a child attending the school, Filmmaker and Photographer Craig Cerhit is able to explore every aspect of the school with unfettered access. By following the students over a two year period and interviewing all of the key participants, Found In The Forest is an important contribution to the critical discussion of what an education is, how it is delivered, and what that means for our children and society.
Though this film is now 10+ years old and the school has evolved over the years, the essence of the school remains the same as it did in 2011.
Music licensed by Audio Network