Forest School Blog

  What a brilliant way to finish our Forest School sessions with Year 5! Group 1 joined us yesterday in very blustery, gusty conditions – but we embraced it!   The children worked in small teams on a den building challenge, designing and constructing shelters that were as wind and storm-proof as possible. Each den had to be freestanding, include a flag and a team name, and be big enough to shelter two children. There was fantastic teamwork, problem-solving and lots of discussion about strong structures. We put the dens to the test using the classic “water and watering can” challenge… and not everyone stayed dry!   It was a tough but fun morning in the wind, followed by great fun on the field using the spinnaker as a giant parachute and flying kites. Group 2 had a completely different experience today – calm, sunny skies and not a breath of wind!   We made the most of it with toasted marshmallows around the fire. The children also took part in the water...

What a fantastic session we had today! We began with a calm and mindful activity, carefully making our own elder beads – a lovely way to slow down and connect with nature. The children then took on a mini fire challenge in small groups. They showed brilliant teamwork, thinking carefully about location, safety, and how to keep their fire going for a full three minutes. Using their metal trays (securely weighed down!) and having water close by, they demonstrated great responsibility and resilience. Those who were successful enjoyed toasting mini marshmallows – a well-earned treat! To finish, we made delicious garlic pitta bread using foraged wild garlic. Some children were unsure at first, but many were surprised at just how tasty it was!

  Yesterday our Year 5 children had another exciting session at Forest School, with a special focus on water. It was a good opportunity to combine outdoor learning, science and teamwork. We began by talking about why water is so important for our bodies. The children discovered that our bodies are made up of a large percentage of water and that we cannot survive for very long without it. This led us to explore the water cycle — how water travels through evaporation, condensation and precipitation, continually moving around our planet. One of the facts that really captured the children’s imagination was learning that the water on Earth today is the same water that existed when the dinosaurs were alive! The idea that the water we drink may once have been part of a dinosaur’s world was fascinating. After our discussion, the children took on a practical challenge. Working in small groups, they were asked to design and build their own water filters using a range of materials. Each group...

  Hazel Class enjoyed their very first Forest School session this afternoon, and we were incredibly lucky with the weather – beautiful blue skies made it a perfect start to our afternoon outdoors. First, we talked about nature names, thinking of ideas we could use for our Forest School check-ins. The children came up with some lovely nature-inspired suggestions. Next, we introduced the fire triangle, as the children were going to try fire striking for the first time. We talked about the three things needed to create a fire: fuel, oxygen and heat. Mrs Sunderland then demonstrated how to use a flint and steel safely. Before starting our activities, the children took part in a Forest School treasure hunt to help them get to know the site, which was completely new for many of the Year 5s. They had to find seven things around the area: 🌳 a new tree 💧 some water 🚩 a flag 🌲 a pinecone 🌿 a swing 🏕️ a den The children excitedly explored the site searching for these items befo...

  What a fantastic way for Year 5 to finish their Forest School journey this morning! We began outside the welly boot sheds, talking about the weather and introducing our Mini Fire Challenge. Before any flames were struck, we needed about what direction was the wind blowing? Where should we position our fire safely?  We headed to the playground to find the compass and discussed wind direction, temperature and cloud cover and decided upon a south westerly wind. Back at site, we used our new thermometer and talked about seasonal weather patterns for this time of year. The children confidently revisited the fire triangle — heat, fuel and oxygen — and explained how removing just one element would extinguish a fire.  In groups of three, the children were given everything they needed to build their own mini fire:  Fire strikers  birch wood tinder and cotton wool   Kindling  A small natural fire lighter  A metal tray They had to consider p...