Spring has sprung...

 On return from the Easter fortnight, Years 3 and 4 were really surprised to see how things were taking root and growing in the Forest school.

A few degrees of warmth on the thermometer has really started to make the seeds they had planted burst into life. The unfortunate upshot of this new lease of life is that it offers the slugs and snails in the garden a fresh buffet of tasty leaves (they seem to find sunflowers irresistible!)

To try and swing the battle in our favour a visit was made to Coffee #1 for a few free bags of coffee grinds. These, when sprinkled liberally around the tunnel and over the plants have a pretty surprising effect of dissuading the annoying little critters. It can be a little demoralising for the pupils after waiting so long for their seeds to emerge, to then be greeted by the withered stalks and leaves having been munched by the pesky little molluscs.

Replanting and tending the garden by watering are both very important tasks to keep the plot healthy and maintained.

The classes have also been enjoying various arts and crafts. Weaving willow and making 'dreamcatchers' is a great way to practice fine motor dexterity and also patience.

The first steps outside for Year 4

For the last session of the Spring term Year 4 were offered the opportunity to venture off site to explore the Perrywood Nature reserve.

This is an important part of progression within the Outdoor Education provision that Riversides offer, to give the classes a chance to broaden their horizons. We believe Outdoor Education creates rich, hands‑on opportunities for our pupils to grow in ways that classroom learning alone can’t match. 

It strengthens problem‑solving skills by placing our learners in real environments where decisions have visible consequences, and it nurtures resilience as the students adapt to changing weather, terrain, and group dynamics. 

Being outside also deepens environmental awareness, helping our learners understand ecosystems through direct experience rather than abstraction. Socially, Outdoor Education encourages teamwork and communication, since many activities require cooperation and shared responsibility. 

Perhaps most importantly, it offers space for well being—fresh air, movement, and nature all support mental health and help our pupils feel more grounded and confident.

A trip somewhere different

 Year 6 were the first class to experience the change of weather as Spring burst into life and they were bathed in bright sunshine after so many dull and dreary winter sessions. 

We ventured West along the A44 and after a few miles took a right turn up a really steep bank to the top of Ankerdine Hill. Worcestershire County Council have been working on the side of this flank extensively to create some fresh habitat for an expanding colony of dormice that nest here.

Winding just ½ mile (0.8 km) through compacted‑soil paths, steps, and gentle climbs, the trail offers a surprisingly invigorating experience despite its modest length. The class could experience a subtle sense of awe along the route, enhanced by the dense woodland, shifting light, and quiet turns that give the trail a slightly enigmatic charm. There were some big hunks of oak lay next to the side of the car park and after explaining the risks and how to manage them, the children enjoyed a brief scramble in the bright sunshine.

They wound their way to the foot of the trail as the path plunged steeply downhill...

...enjoying a little off-roading along the way.

and at the bottom discovered the dilapidated remains of what may have been an old drovers refuge?Who knows?...but it was a great place for some creative play/exploration.

The walk back to the top was short but steep; not to every ones liking...

...but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of some of the pupils!

Great fun and it really goes to show how the sunshine seems to put a spring in every ones step.

Forest School progress...

 The Forest School area has been slowly transforming into an area with structure, purpose                              and order (but intentionally not too rigid!!) There was a big push last Summer when staff had a gardening day, moving around some of the fixtures, brainstorming ideas and since then, with the help of loads of input and enthusiasm from the pupils, things are really beginning to take shape.

As you can see from these two shots of the poly tunnel interior, things are constantly evolving;            the pupils commented on the uneven floor and as there was a big pile of reclaimed bricks just stacked up that we had salvaged, a few days later we had a new and improved area for the Forest school classes to work.

We have constructed some compost bins from materials donated/salvaged and also utilised some existing things in creative ways to maintain some order around the area.

The younger pupils in our Forest School sessions are fully embracing this magical time of year when everything starts to burst into life after the tediously long and wet Winter everyone has had to endure.

And outside the poly tunnel, the first warm rays of sunshine are encouraging everything to emerge...

...the willow dome is on its way!

 

A wild day out in Shropshire

 We were greeted by a howling wind last Friday, so what better way to increase the feeling of exposure than venturing up to one of the highest points in Shropshire.

Titterstone Clee Hill at 1749ft,  is one of Shropshire’s most striking landmarks, rising sharply above the surrounding countryside and offering expansive 360‑degree views across the Midlands and into Wales. Its summit is a dramatic mix of ancient archaeology, rugged geology, and industrial remnants, making it a uniquely atmospheric place to explore.

There is an Air traffic control facility near the summit and part of the installation includes a 'randome' (which looks like a very big golf ball!) The group walked to the trig point at the summit, then down along the side of the big white globe.

It was decided by staff that the summit was too exposed to get the parachute out. So when down by the bus on a slightly (but not much) sheltered side, we pulled it out the ruck sack to give the pupils an idea of the forces involved.

We started with a full squad around the circumference and slowly told the pupils to dip in and out, to increase the force and effort involved. 

It was evident that this little exercise was a real eye-opener for all of the pupils involved, to experience first hand the power of the elements.

Turn Mill brook jump challenge

 Tuesday afternoon led Year 6 to venture a few miles up the A449 to the walk at Turn Mill. 

After walking alongside a couple of fields the path crosses over a track leading to some fishing pools just outside Ombersley village. The overflow from these pools forms a small stream that winds a half a mile down towards the River Severn.

The stream is spanned by a fallen tree and alongside it is a natural ramp which has proved a little elusive to some of the pupils. They have been working up the courage to jump the gap for months now and the challenge was set after their tutor jumped it a couple of times, so they could see it was achievable.

There was some support, encouragement, goading and laughter which eventually led to four of the class sailing through air, across the stream, time and again.

I told the pupils if they felt confident that they could do it.....

                                         Don't think about how bad it could be if it goes wrong...                                        but think how great you'll feel when it goes right!