Our Field and Forest sessions aim to make the best use of our Friday afternoon together as a lower key stage community, by giving the children a valuable opportunity to connect with nature and experience the world outside the classroom and become the experts in their own learning.

For Hercules class, being in nature is vital for the children’s physical development – increasing their long-distance vision, building coordination, developing gross motor skills through tree climbing, log carrying and fine motor skills using tools and digging. It is also vital for their mental well-being and reduces stress by grounding them in the natural world and strengthening their personal, social and emotional development with their peers and adults through shared experiences, turn taking and teamwork. It gives rich opportunities to stimulate communication and language skills by talking about what they can find, see and do. They understand the world by witnessing phenomena and understand the importance of being environmental stewards for the local wildlife and wild places. Finally, and by no means least, nature offers a wealth of different materials to explore in our Expressive Arts and Design, aid our Maths and encourage our exploration of non-fiction and information books to find out about the things we find to support out Literacy.

We have just started the RSPB WILD CHALLENGE. These activities are divided into two sections – Help nature and Experience nature. There are three award levels to progress through: Bronze for Reception, Silver for Year One and Gold for Year Two. However, as we are just starting this year will be all on Bronze level and will progress in subsequent years. The children will complete six activities throughout the year to earn their certificates, for more information please check out the website below.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-teachers/schools-wild-challenge/

Click here for our field and forest behaviour expectations.