Forest School

We can’t end a half term of Forest School without marshmallows!

Forest School follows 6 principles, one of which is:-

”Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Todays session was full of den building and tree swing making, the progression over the weeks is clear to see, along with the joy on their faces.

Birthday party in the woodland!

With the temperatures dropping below zero again this week it was the perfect opportunity to have a fire at Forest School. We spoke about Chinese New Year and Ms Rainbird explained it was the year of the rabbit, we even had a fortune cookie to celebrate. There was once again some sledging down the hill, this requires lots of teamwork and always creates lots of giggles!

This week the children knew exactly what they wanted to do and that was fire lightning. We spoke about the safety principles and the elements of the fire triangle. Great determination and perseverance is always show at this activity. Bows were made and some time was spent searching for the perfect arrow, even a target was set up on a tree. Another group could be found tucked away making a den using tarpaulin, the children also used their knot skills to secure the rope.

January 2023 and we have welcomed the Year 4 children back to Forest School, they will be with us for Woodland Wednesdays for the next 6 weeks.

Year 5 Week 3

After a few weeks trying different techniques, they built a tyre swing!

Year 5 Week 2

At Forest School this week, year 5 displayed excellent fire circle etiquette - as always - so we were more than happy to invite the children into the fire circle. We first discussed the fire triangle, why a fire would be needed, and finally how to completely extinguish a fire. The children showed amazing perseverance and beamed with pride when they produce a spark using the flint and steel, more so when they lit the cotton wool pad.

Year 5 Week 1

Their first week at Forest School, they children reminisced about activities from previous years and spoke about new ones they would like to do in year 5. A tyre swing is at the top of their list.