https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5 Exploring Nature in FFPS en-us 2018-09-10 07:21:55 UTC 2025-12-04 16:50:42 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Xmastree.png hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/287987953 Year 6 have been practicing their knots on a rainy day! We have learnt and practiced the round turn and two half hitches knot, the clove hitch and the timber hitch knot. After practicing around the hall we decided to finish off by using our knots to tie some string around the gymnastic equipment in the hall. Then we challenged ourselves to an obstacle course race to see if the knots could withstand us moving on and around them.]]> 2018-10-02 08:23:22 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/287987953 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/295805864 Yr 5 had to work together to decide on which creature they were going to build infrastructure for. Group 1 decided they were going to make a fox out of nature art. This affected groups 2+3's creation as their challenge was create a trap that could catch the creature and a home for it too. ]]> 2018-10-23 07:10:30 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/295805864 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/320663881 We ventured down to the stream in the park and had a look around for natural materials.  There were lots of discarded big branches that were great for building. We decided to try and see if we could build a natural bridge across the river.]]> 2019-01-15 09:23:45 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/320663881 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/320796021 After playing Tree Tig and identifying over 10 different types of tree that we spotted between our school and the park we decided to set ourselves a challenge. Today's challenge was to create an assault course for the other teams to try that involved us going under, over, through, around and inside all of the natural materials in the woods.]]> 2019-01-15 15:09:46 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/320796021 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/322896059 In preparation for the upcoming trip to Robinwood and to shelter from the awful weather (even too bad for Forest School!) we decided to think about what challenges and activities we might be facing!

After setting up a blindfolded course and teamwork activites we created an assault course for everyone to take part in.]]> 2019-01-22 09:46:11 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/322896059 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/330276083 The group were tasked with different challenges that required them to work in a team. That had to transverse 'rivers' carry precious cargo and figure out knots before they could succeed.]]> 2019-02-12 11:38:57 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/330276083 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/335283797 Our Yr5 group had a fun time in the park by the river exploring the warm woods. Even though it is still winter it felt like a summer's day so we challenged ourselves to build a base that could offer us shade and protection that was large enough for us to crawl into.]]> 2019-02-26 10:29:18 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/335283797 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/341638214 Trekking down to the woods and trying to remember the fauna on the way we explored by the river. After having fun in the forests, mud and river the children were set a challenge to make their own bridge across the water. One group led by Sinead not only managed to build a bridge across the gap but it held out for all of the group to get across, what a great structure!]]> 2019-03-15 07:27:34 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/341638214 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/342716451 We took to the park to see if we could find the hardest hills to scramble up and down. After searching we came upon an area with high muddy hills and tricky descents. We tried to descend on or own to begin with but soon realised that it was a slow and tricky progress so we installed ropes from sturdy trees practicing the knots we have learnt and found that it was much easier to get down the hills!]]> 2019-03-19 07:31:39 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/342716451 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/342717212 We ventured into the wooded part of the park to try and create a woodland trail for the other team to follow. We could only leave a small yellow marker about every 20 steps so the other team really had to search for where to go. We were allowed to place them up hills, across the streams and could make the course as tricky as we wanted for the other team!]]> 2019-03-19 07:35:18 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/342717212 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/342717856 We were thinking about the quickest way to get from Point A to Point B sometimes isn't via a path or a well trodden route but sometimes up or down a tricky hill or across a river and stream. Some of us found that at our crossing points the stream was too deep even for our wellies and had to improvise by creating a mini bridge across!]]> 2019-03-19 07:38:26 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/342717856 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/342720432 We are practising the reef and timber hitch knots in Forest School and saw the perfect opportunity to practice using bales of string and attach them to some close trees in the park. After practising them we teamed up to make a small assault course which we had to jump over and roll under to the finish line!]]> 2019-03-19 07:50:08 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/342720432 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/345566829 This time it was 6PS that were challenged with getting the whole class across the water without anyone getting wet. Elise's team managed to create a structure strong enough that did just the job!]]> 2019-03-27 07:23:46 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/345566829 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/345567234 The group were split into three and given a task each. In their hoop only they had to create three different projects for the creepy crawlies that live in the parkland. One group were tasked with creating a housing estate complete with different 'houses', back yards and shelters, the second group providing the leisure activities for the creatures and the final group the services needed to keep everything healthy, safe and alive!]]> 2019-03-27 07:25:59 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/345567234 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/347546223 What marvellous creators and actors our year 6 team are! Firstly they were tasked with creating a creatures head, be it ghastly, funny, lifelike or not to put on top of their stick body. After doing so they then had to take part in a puppet show both on their own and as a group coming up with stories all abut their creation!]]> 2019-04-02 10:16:22 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/347546223 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/347546816 After making our way to the park and exploring the areas surrounding us we took part in a Forest Quiz. We had to try and remember different facts about the fauna and flora that surrounds us in this country. To finish we had an express challenge of creating something useful only out of woodland material. The group pictured made a woodland shower! What a great piece of essential camping kit!]]> 2019-04-02 10:18:54 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/347546816 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/357488981 The year 6 children had a chance to practice their recently learnt knot skills and use their imagination to help a casualty! After being put into groups they then had to fashion together a stretcher to carry one of their team safely across the park!]]> 2019-05-07 06:43:44 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/357488981 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/359819629 Year 5 were tasked with creating any piece of art they wished as long as it was created from using flowers and grasses that were growing wildly in the park. The children used Dandelions, Daisys, Forget me Nots, Buttercups and grasses to create wonderful pieces such as a ladybird, orchard and their faces]]> 2019-05-14 09:56:47 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/359819629 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/359819855 2019-05-14 09:57:55 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/359819855 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/369802209 Y5 were tasked with three challenges to create using materials found within the orchard of the park. They were asked to make a bug racetrack, nature picture and a bridge to support a heavy stone. The racetrack in the picture was from Amy's group who decided on a Florida style 'Palm' racetrack!]]> 2019-07-01 09:10:12 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/369802209 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/388681064 We have been looking at how our Forest School site used to look before it was turned into the park and the woods that we use today. We have learnt about the beautiful old building - Newton Lodge - that stood on the site and the Ashton family that privately owned all of the land that we know as the park.

We have been trying to compare old pictures and where those place may be now and any old significant building or features that remain!]]> 2019-09-24 08:48:17 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/388681064 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/388689627 Each group were given a list of natural materials they had to find and a time limit to boot!

They had to work in groups and hunt around our forest school area to find items ranging from a Sycamore leaf to a Beech nut for example. Other things that snuck onto the list included trying to collect some moss, a red leaf, an acorn and a pine cone.

For each item they managed to find and collect they were awarded ten points with the winning team earning some Froggies!]]> 2019-09-24 09:10:09 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/388689627 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/388690583 After a game of Tree Tig and exploring our area looking at the new plants and fruits the Orchard has offered up for us this Autumn, we had to use our imaginations and be creative!

Each team were given the same small bits of equipment - three small pieces of wood and four pieces of string and had to make something that included all of their equipment.

They were allowed to add to their structure/creation with other materials found but it all had to be able to be taken down and re-used at the end.

One of the best creations was Jack and Lucas's which was a fully functional swing!]]> 2019-09-24 09:12:44 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/388690583 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/396006450 Forest school is all about respecting our environment, today 5KD are doing just that, we have been cleaning up Birdcage walk and the park, look out for your clean streets on the way to school and let's all make a difference!]]> 2019-10-10 07:58:39 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/396006450 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/401418540 We all went on a hunt for the biggest and juiciest conkers that the park had to offer.  We knew to look around the foot of the Horse Chestnut tree as the conkers are the fruit of that tree. After finding our conker we then put a hole in them and tied string at one ends. After Mr Wright told us the rules we then went all around the class trying to fight each other!

Safe to say that there were some casualties with bits of conkers all over the place!]]> 2019-10-23 13:13:45 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/401418540 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/401425020 Look how fabulous this bow and arrow is made expertly by Ethan!

The string is a piece of stripped bark and the bow is a bendy piece of willow.

There's even a Beech nut to hold where the arrow sits and an arrow itself crafted out of a Beech seed in the end of a strong thin branch.]]> 2019-10-23 13:23:05 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/401425020 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/417391581 5BIH had a fun time being active with their Forest School indoor session! They were tasked with coming up with as many of a certain FS topic in two minutes and racing to put them in their answer hoop. After gathering their points they then had a huge quiz all regarding FS, tree, plants and animals, what great knowledge on show!]]> 2019-11-28 08:23:44 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/417391581 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/417393050 With all of the golden and bronze leaves at the start of the park from the beautiful Beech trees we used them in all manner of ways. After kicking as many as we can and having a 'leaf fight' we had to create some Autumn Art using the nature around us. This group made a wonderful tent structure complete with a 'leaf fire' inside!]]> 2019-11-28 08:29:31 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/417393050 hawke_kay https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/417393821 The weather for 6DB's Forest School session was truly awful even for Forest School! We decided to have a lesson on risk and how some risk is actually good for you as is getting out of your comfort zone! Each group a had a great of 'risky tig' followed by them creating their own assault course complete with measured risks, drops, falls and dodgeball dodging! Everybody had a great time and more importantly got out of their comfort zone safely! ]]> 2019-11-28 08:32:00 UTC https://padlet.com/hawke_kay/sv06kmj9wlt5/wish/417393821