Sycamore class week 6

 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 positioning, airflow and how to keep their fire sustained. If successful… mini marshmallows could be toasted!

I am so proud to say every group succeeded. There was patience, perseverance and brilliant teamwork. They supported one another, adjusted their approach and celebrated each other’s successes.

Afterwards, we headed into the woodland to build dens — stretching ropes tight, layering sticks carefully and working collaboratively to create sheltered spaces. One  group even designed a terrarium-style pond ecosystem in the tough tray to attract frogs. 

We returned to the fire circle where Uffa lit the main fire for a final marshmallow together, before ending with a very energetic (and competitive!) game of capture the flag.

This group has brought high energy, humour and fantastic teamwork to every session. They have grown in confidence, skill and resilience — and have been an absolute joy to teach.

Well done, Sycamore Class  You should be very proud of yourselves.