FOREST SCHOOL

In Forest School this half term, the older primary pupils have been looking at different woodland tools and how to use these to maintain the Forest School area. The pupils have been learning to use axes, loppers, pruners and folding saws. We have used the tools to not only maintain the Forest School area, but for collecting firewood for when the weather gets colder. A lot of emphasis has been placed on the tools and I've wanted the pupils to show me they can use the tools accurately and safely. The younger primary pupils have been looking at identifying trees from their different leaves whilst also looking at how the leaves change in the autumn. They have also explored the make-up of a tree, where it comes from, and a tree's main features. 

The secondary pupils in Forest School have also been exploring woodland tools but in a different way. They have been focusing on how to make tools using woodland tools. Currently, this is a mallet for the year 8s, and a whistle for the year 7s. The focus and resilience it takes to make these tools will take more than one Forest School session. The pupils need to find appropriate materials for their tools from the woodland and then work on them in the Forest School area. The secondary pupils have also been testing their strength and courage on the new cargo net in the upper Forest School area.