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Week 5 Hazel

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Hazel class took part in forest school today - apologies for the lack of photos – we were all so caught up in the fun, creativity, and brilliant conversations that I completely forgot to take as many as normal! Hazel Class started their session by walking down to the site, discussing the changing weather, and using a weather radar app to track the increasing wind speeds. One of the children had a fantastic idea – since it was going to get windier later, why not have our fire earlier? So that’s exactly what we did! On the way, we used colour-matching cards to find natural objects that matched different shades. Around the fire circle, we shared observations about changes on the site, welcomed the arrival of spring, and even spotted two robins—though our excitement quickly scared them away! Then it was time to get busy. Some children used thick bamboo from Mrs. Sunderland’s garden to make peashooters and jewellery, while others got creative with clay, pressing in flowers and grasses to ma...
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Ash class week 5

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This morning, our Year 3 children in Ash Class had an amazing time at Forest School! We started our journey by using colour-matching cards to spot different colours in nature (and even on our walk down!). A huge thank you to the super helpful children who carried all the water and containers we needed for the session! Once at the fire circle, we checked in using our nature names, then settled into a mindful sit spot activity. Using small mats, we each found a favourite place to sit still, silent, and seated—not easy, but everyone gave it a brilliant try and really enjoyed the challenge. Next, we explored Elder wood, learning how to use secateurs safely to make pea shooters or jewellery by hollowing out the soft middle with a tent peg. We also got creative with clay, pressing in natural flowers and grasses to make some beautiful Mother’s Day gifts. Some children helped with tree planting, while others showed incredible determination with fire striking—managing to get the fire going for ...
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Week 4 Hazel

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  The wind did not deter Hazel class this week, we were so determined to have a fire we decided to light the storm kettle and see if it was really up to the job! We managed to all toast a marshmallow and make a smore! 
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Week 4 Ash

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  This morning, our Year 3 children in Ash Class had a fantastic Forest School session under warm sunshine and bright blue skies—it finally felt like spring! We started by carrying a very special delivery down to our Forest School site: a bundle of sapling trees from the Woodland Trust. As we walked, we identified our new arrivals—English Oak, Rowan, Wild cherry, Field maple, and Grey willow. We also learned more about the trees already growing in our woodland area, including our resilient Field maples and Oaks. Once at the site, we gathered around the fire circle for our welcome check-in, using our nature names. We chatted about the changes we’d noticed in the woodland and signs of the new season. Then, we challenged ourselves with a multisensory, Mexican wave-style rain dance, which required great listening skills! After that, it was time to get busy. Some children worked with Mrs Warner to plant over 27 trees—an amazing achievement! Others teamed up with Mrs Sunderland to use th...
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Week 2 Ash Class Nordic Sling

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What a fantastic morning with our Year 3 adventurers at Forest School! Under a beautiful blue sky with a gentle breeze, we started with a real-life mission—carrying donated sticks (thank you to Samuel Coke’s family!) from the car park to our site. Working in teams, we remembered our Forest School rule for carrying sticks safely and made our way down to the fire circle. We began by sharing our nature names again and thinking of qualities they have—squirrels are great climbers, butterflies are delicate, and lions are fast and strong! Then, we explored the woodland, noticing what was new and different since our last visit. Next, we played Dragons and Knights, a brilliant listening game where a blindfolded “dragon” guards the fire circle—some great sneaky moves and careful listening on display! After that, we talked about the fire triangle and what’s needed to make a fire. Mrs. Sunderland demonstrated how to use a flint and steel safely, and lots of children had a go at fire striking—such ...
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