Our young explorers have been swapping the classroom for the canopy this week! From the crackle of the campfire to the squelch of the mud, Forest School is where the real magic happens.

This Week’s Highlights:

• Mastering the Flame: Our Year 4s demonstrated incredible maturity while learning campfire safety and toasting the perfect golden marshmallows! 

• Whittling Wonders: After passing their safety checks, students tried their hand at greenwood whittling, turning simple branches into works of art.

• Forest Engineering: We’ve seen some incredible teamwork, from building "shelters" for lost forest critters to constructing ramps for our big wheel races!

• Not forgetting the log-lifting competition on Tuesday.

Why we love outdoor learning:

Forest School isn’t just about getting muddy (though that is a bonus!). It’s where our pupils build:

1. Resilience by tackling physical challenges.

2. Confidence through tool-use and safety skills.

3. Empathy by caring for our local environment.

#ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #PrimaryEducation #WildAndFree #LearningThroughPlay #NatureClassroom

On their visit to Kent Wildlife Trust, they had a go at pond dipping and dam
building and learnt all about rivers and beavers. They even had a game of
Pooh Sticks!

They did a lot of walking so there were a few sleepy children on the journey
back to school!

What a week! From mastering complex knots to surviving "four seasons in one hour," our young explorers have been incredibly busy.

The Cobra Stitch ChallengeThis week was all about paracord mastery! We tackled the tricky Cobra Stitch—a durable knot used by survivalists and hikers. It took a lot of focus and "sticky-fingered" patience, but the results were amazing.Starfish Class named their paracord people: Reuben 2.0, Stanley, Stella, Craig, David, Steve, Mike, Gregg, Katie, Lamar, and Gary! A huge shout-out to our "Master Knot-Tyers" who stepped up to teach their friends. Seeing that teamwork and leadership in action is what Forest School is all about!Did you know? The paracord we used is so strong it can hold up to 250kg! That’s like lifting a small grizzly bear! 

Four Seasons for the Otters

It was the final Wednesday session for our Otter Group, and Mother Nature decided to give them a bit of everything! They braved:  Wind  Rain  Sun  ...and even some Hail! Despite the wild weather, the group stayed cozy by the fire, whittling greenwood and enjoying some well-earned toasted marshmallows.

#ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #PrimaryEducation #Resilience #BushcraftSkills #Teamwork 

Week four at Forest School was a masterclass in craftsmanship and community. Our young explorers officially finished their wooden pig projects, showing incredible focus while using electric drills and secateurs. From cutting wood-wedge ears to fitting those perfect twisted tails, the attention to detail was top-tier!

But the magic didn't stop at the workbench. This week, we saw:

• The Big Build: A family home was constructed, which naturally led to...

• A Forest Wedding: Complete with imaginative guests and a beautiful outdoor "venue."

• High-Altitude Fun: Tree-climbing remains a fan-favorite for testing limits and building confidence.

• The Dream Team: Our washing-up crew proved that even chores are a blast when you're splashing around with your best friends.

It’s about more than just skills; it’s about that quality time spent together in the fresh air. Who knew a mud kitchen and some woodwork could create such a busy, happy community?

#ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #PrimaryEducation #YoungMakers #NaturePlay