Curriculum That Builds Confidence, Curiosity and Capability

At The Forest, our curriculum is shaped by the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and designed to deliver both academic rigour and joyful discovery.

Through a carefully structured, child-centred approach, pupils make strong progress across core subjects including Literacy, Numeracy, Science and Humanities, while developing creativity, independence, resilience and critical thinking.

Learning is purposeful, engaging and personalised, ensuring every child feels both supported and appropriately challenged.

Literacy

We combine synthetic phonics, high-quality reading schemes, grammar, handwriting and creative writing to develop confident readers, articulate communicators and children who genuinely love books.

Mathematics

Using hands-on resources such as Numicon, real-life problem solving and practical applications including money and measurement, children build strong numerical fluency, reasoning skills and confidence.

Specialist Teaching

Pupils also benefit from weekly specialist lessons delivered by expert teachers in:

• Spanish
• Science
• Music
• Physical Education
• Sports Coaching

Alongside this, expressive arts are woven throughout school life, with opportunities in:

• Choir
• Instrumental tuition
• Drama
• Art and design

For further details on our current P6 and P7 curriculum, please see our Merchiston Juniors pages.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At The Forest at Merchiston, outdoor learning is not an occasional activity, it is central to who we are.

Our bespoke outdoor curriculum uses the natural world as a classroom, helping children deepen their understanding of academic concepts while developing resilience, teamwork, leadership and independence.

Within Merchiston’s remarkable campus, home to one of Edinburgh’s most diverse collections of trees, abundant wildlife, ponds and access to the Water of Leith, children learn through exploration, observation, experimentation and adventure.

Whether applying maths in the field, investigating ecosystems, building shelters, using tools safely or exploring local habitats, learning becomes tangible, memorable and meaningful.

Fantastic Fridays

Fridays at The Forest are so eagerly anticipated by our pupils that they have their own name: Fantastic Fridays.

The day begins with a whole-school reflection, where children review the week’s learning, celebrate progress, identify next steps and share anything academically, socially or emotionally that may need support.

Children from Nursery through to our oldest pupils then come together, building meaningful mixed-age friendships and developing empathy, confidence and leadership.

The rest of the day is dedicated to immersive, cross-curricular outdoor learning experiences led by our teaching team.

Fantastic Fridays often include:

• Nature-based science investigations
• Practical maths and geography challenges
• Conservation projects
• Creative woodland activities
• Navigation and teamwork exercises
• Safe tool use and woodworking
• Whole-school hikes across our extensive grounds

By the end of each Friday, children leave not only with muddy boots and rosy cheeks, but with new skills, fresh confidence and unforgettable experiences.

Our wraparound care provision offers a safe, warm and engaging environment before and after the school day.

Morning Care

7:45am – 8:15am (includes continental breakfast and a hot drink.

School Day

8:15am – 3:00pm

Afternoon Care

Flexible sessions available:

• 3:00pm – 4:00pm
• 4:00pm – 5:00pm
• 5:00pm – 6:00pm (includes a hot evening meal)

Places are booked termly in advance, with ad hoc sessions available subject to availability.

In partnership with Lodestone House, all meals are freshly prepared onsite and included within school fees.

Children enjoy:

• Morning and afternoon healthy snacks
• Nutritious, balanced lunches
• Seasonal menus designed by catering specialists and nutrition experts
• Full allergy and dietary support
• Cultural food experiences and themed dining days
• Age-appropriate nutrition education

Our approach helps children develop healthy habits, adventurous tastes and a positive relationship with food from an early age.

Supporting Every Child’s Next Step with Confidence

At The Forest at Merchiston, we believe that a successful transition is about far more than moving from one school to the next. It is about ensuring every child leaves us feeling confident, well prepared and excited for the opportunities ahead.

From the earliest years, we help children develop the academic foundations, independence, resilience and self-belief needed to thrive in their next stage of education. As pupils move through the Forest Junior School, increasing opportunities for leadership, responsibility and challenge help prepare them for senior school life.

For boys continuing their journey within the Merchiston family, this transition is especially seamless. Through close collaboration with colleagues across the School, familiar routines, shared values and access to the wider campus, boys are well prepared for the move into Merchiston Senior School, whether joining through Merchiston Juniors or directly into the Middle Years following The Forest Junior School..

For girls, we provide the same personalised guidance and support as they prepare for entry into the senior school that is right for them. We work closely with families throughout this process and maintain strong relationships with a number of leading local schools in Edinburgh and beyond, helping ensure each girl moves on with confidence and clarity.

Every child’s journey is different. Our role is to understand their strengths, nurture their ambitions, and support them in taking the next step successfully.