It was a fabulous day for half of Year Three today as they ventured out of school and took part in a trip to Belfairs Wood.

Once at the wood the children investigated their surroundings, taking time to appreciate the beauty of the woods, before taking part in a series of activities.

The children used viewfinders to create observational drawings of the woods. They chose to sketch small and close up views of bark and twigs as well as larger drawings of some of the trees. They used their pencils to recreate textures and shades.

Art was also the theme of another activity which saw the children use natural objects in the woods to create works of art inspired by Andrew Goldsworthy. The children worked in teams to create their pieces before sharing them with other groups.

Meanwhile, back at school, the children in KS2 were inspired by a special assembly led by Miss Brooker and a group of children who recently took part in the Year Five residential trip to PGL in Sussex. The assembly challenged the children to venture outside of their comfort zones and the children from the trip were on hand to share some of the exciting challenges they took part in whilst away from school.

Elsewhere, out the front of school, the children in Year One used their Forest Friends sessions to take part in a series of activities. They took turns to play on the rope swing and in the mud kitchen but also investigated life under the logs using magnifying glasses and also worked in teams to create their own water trails.

At lunchtime the children in Foundation Stage were supported by a large number of adults to enjoy a delicious roast dinner cooked by Mrs Warren-Hardy and her merry crew. Our youngest children started the lunch break earlier than the other year groups in order to ensure they had as much adult support in the hall as possible.

In the afternoon the children in Kestrels created their own water colour paintings of trees whilst the children in Year Six began a science experiment investigating micro organisms. Out on the field Mr Smith put Year Five through their paces on the football pitch.

In the evening parents of children in Year Three and Four took part in a Maths meeting led by our KS2 Maths leader Mrs Sterling. Mrs Sterling worked through a series of strategies used in school with the parents participating actively throughout the session to gain a deeper understanding of how they can support the children at home. Thanks to everyone who made it along for the evening.