The Three R’s: Ready, Respectful & Responsible
- Stephen Simpson
- Oct 30
- 2 min read
At Forest Schooling UK, our core values are more than words on a wall. They are simple, practical, and lived out every single day, by our staff, our young people, and our community.
We call them our Three R’s: Ready, Respectful, and Responsible. They guide how we learn, how we treat each other, and how we care for the world around us.
Ready
Being Ready is about showing up, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. It means being open to learning, willing to try, and prepared to engage.
In practice, that could mean putting on your waterproofs without complaint, stepping forward to help a peer, or giving something new a go even if it feels uncertain. Readiness is an attitude, a quiet confidence that says, I’m here, and I’m willing.
Respectful
Being Respectful means recognising the value in ourselves, others, and the natural world. It’s about listening before we speak, treating people kindly, and caring for the environment we share.
Respect at Forest Schooling UK isn’t about obedience, it’s about understanding. When young people feel respected, they reflect that respect back through their words, their actions, and their care for the space around them.
Responsible
Being Responsible is about ownership, understanding that our choices have an impact. It means taking care of tools, time, and trust, and learning to put things right when mistakes happen.
Responsibility isn’t about blame; it’s about growth. We encourage learners to ask, What can I do differently next time? rather than Who’s at fault? In doing so, they build maturity, self-awareness, and resilience.
Why They Work
Our Three R’s work because they are real, usable, and universal. They give our community a shared language, one that promotes reflection, independence, and personal growth.
Every activity, every challenge, and every conversation can be guided by these values. They’re not rules to follow; they’re principles to live by. At Forest Schooling UK, being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible isn’t a motto, it’s a mindset. It’s how we nurture learners who are confident, capable, and deeply connected to the world around them.
