FOREST SCHOOL & OUTDOOR CURRICULUM
Come Outside!
At St Thomas' we love getting outdoors and is an important part of our school's focus Curriculum and learning for all children. In addition to our large expansive grounds, well established range of trees and our own poly tunnel for growing plants, we are lucky enough to have an enclosed area which is dedicated to our Forest School learning and activities. Forest School is a chance for children to learn, grow and discover in an outdoor woodland space and children are encouraged to task risks, to talk, to work as a team, to persevere and to challenge themselves. All our classes have sessions throughout the year where they can take part in the Forest School which is led by our two Forest School teachers - Mrs Mason & Mrs Eaves. In addition to these experiences they also have a wide range of opportunities to take part in our Outdoor Curriculum to enhance and develop their learning in the outdoors on our own school grounds and in other places such as the beach, the Estuary and in places further afield. Wellies are needed in every year group!
Children enjoy exploring, climbing trees, using the mud kitchen and swinging on the rope swing too. It's great fun!
Children learned how to make a camp fire, and the three things a fire needs; fuel, oxygen heat or a spark. They had to persevere to light their fires as it is not an easy task! They enjoyed toasting marshmallows for their schmores, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Children learned how to make a bow and arrow using a bow-saw and a bush-craft knife. It could be very dangerous, but the children used their knowledge of safety skills well!
Children enjoyed learning how to dip in the pond safely and were curious when looking for insects in their safe places. We found a pond snail, whirligig, centipede, worm, snail, beetle and lots of slugs.
Year 2 children completed the RSPB Big Bird Watch activities.
Children worked together learning how to make a den using natural materials and had great fun!