External Provider: Forest Schools

Every Thursday, a group of the pupils on the Engagement Pathways take part in a Bushcraft, an alternative provision ran by John from Youth Options at Itchen Valley Country Park.  

The boys learn to chop wood, build a fire and cook a variety of things each week including fried chicken, noodles, burgers, curry and rice, chilli and rice, sausages, fried doughnuts, pancakes, popcorn and marshmallows.

The boys get the opportunity to explore the outdoors in a way they wouldn't usually, and learn from professionals who are passionate about this too!

Avon Tyrrell Residential Trip: Day 3

Avon Tyrrell Residential Trip: Day 2

New Forest walk with 3LBH

 3LBH had a great time today exploring Bramshaw Woods in the New Forest. As we explored the area we were looking at different types of trees and animals habitats. We even examined how a stream had formed. We measured the temperature and today the water was a cold 11 degrees Celsius!

As we explored the area, we were lucky enough to find come across mushrooms, a birds nest and even some animal bones! We talked about the importance of not disturbing nature and not to pick anything in the forest, especially if they did not know what it was. 

The boys were really good at helping each other out as they had to negotiate different terrains. They even started to build their own dam after seeing some further downstream. 

The boys ended the session having great fun splashing around in the water. What a super trip, well done 3LBH.  

 

Forest School with 3AW & 3LBH

This half term the year 7 pupils have had their first opportunity to attend Forest School with The Polygon. We have had lots of fun trying new activities and learning new skills. Over the course of six weeks, pupils have engaged in fire lighting, campfire cooking, tool work, making  bows and arrows pond dipping, bird watching and played 'pooh sticks'. We have been able to take the pupils on an adventurous scavenger hunt and even set off bottle rockets! It has been great to watch all pupils have fun,  explore new areas and develop their resilience in the outdoors.

Jack and Connor chopping wood in preparation for a camp fire. 

Lewis had just finished making his bow and arrow. 

Jacob learning how to make a mallet. 

Pupils are searching the freshwater drains for frogs. They often get stuck in the drains and need rescuing. 

Spencer even found a newt!

Pupils really enjoyed pond dipping and found a range of mini beasts from newts to water beetles. Pupils made sure that their hands were wet before handing anything they found. 

We were lucky enough to spot a Robin from the bird lookout. 

Scavenger hunt. 

Lewis helping take all the equipment back to the container at the end of the session. 

 

Forest School with 3HI & 3JG

 This half term pupils from 3HI and 3JG have been lucky enough to be first on list to attend Forest School at Itchen Valley Country Park. They have watched the season change as they have engaged in a range of activities. 

Ivan and Jack have enjoyed dressing up using the camo capes and face paints for their creative games. 

Making jewellery out of natural materials. 

 

Chopping and calving wood to make tools and fence posts. 

Campfire cooking.

Den building 

Wyatt relaxing in a hammock. 

This week we went exploring in the country park and came across some gruesome creatures that have been put up ready for Halloween. Each creature we found had an interesting fact and joke to go with it.