Build a dam

A few miles up the A449, there is a walk leading to a series of waterfalls in a gully at the end of a fishing pool. It is a fabulous area, with steep uneven terrain which really tests the pupils agility and nerve.

 The pupils were tasked with working together to raise the water level to a "welly threatening" height.

They set about working a a close knit team, sharing the effort and offering instruction throughout.

Forest School @ Riversides

 This year there will be a big push towards establishing a Forest School area in the school's outdoor area. 

At present the pupils are enjoying a range of activities, with the emphasis on safe use of tools and materials, working together and understanding their environment.

Plans are being drawn up and materials donated/gathered.

This a huge opportunity to create an area on-site that will be accessible and available at any time throughout the school day.

It can be utilised for not only a wide range of educational purposes but also as a space for reflection and solitude which will be of huge benefit for intervention away from the hustle and bustle of the classrooms and playground.

These sessions outside the classroom are of huge benefit to all our pupils. They offer a raft of different opportunities to use materials and mediums that may vary from most that they are familiar with in a classroom setting.

Moving forward, there will be a big push towards creative "loose parts" play, with the emphasis on minimal guidance where staff facilitate a pupil-led approach, helping to instil a level of curiosity and creativity within our pupils. 
 

Strenuous Exertion!

 

Primary 3 had all the luck when they came out on 11.03.2025 as they were greeted with a gorgeous sunny Spring day. Bringsty Common along the A44 was the destination and they showed a level of excitement when they arrived as they are familiar with the place and they enjoy the physical challenge of its huge, steep bank leading up to the Jubilee Memorial.

After a solid hour of effort, there is not much in the tank for the rest of the school day!

Wheels on the Pump Track

 

Year 8 visited Rushwick Park, taking a couple of scooters to the pump track at the far end of the playing fields. These facilities are a fabulous way to introduce the pupils of all ages a more exciting level of riding scooters or bikes in a reasonably risk free environment (I say risk free - but there is always a possibility!). Our local MP visited Riversides and was keen to stress that facilities like these will be popping up all over Worcester in the next few years as he is passionate about giving the youth of Worcestershire somewhere purpose built to practise and socialise.

(04.03.2025)

Hartlebury Common Track and Field Events

Year 7 ventured up to Hartlebury Common for some energetic exercise.

A course was set with a run up followed by a jump off an old tree stump.

Initially the pupils were a little hesitant to fully commit, but after a few demonstration jumps by              Mr Simpson they soon realised that the soft sandy slope made a safe space to land.

Let the games commence!

13.02.2025

 

Snow Day for Riversides

On the 19th of November last year, there was an unexpected flurry of snow, which caused the usual disruption across the county. Attendance at school was patchy, so a decision was made to take the pupils up to St Georges park and enjoy the snow.

Over the next few days, we followed the remaining snow cover, above at Fort Royal Park and below at the British Camp, Malvern.

 

 

 

Top of the World (or Shropshire)

An early start on Monday morning enabled Year 9 to venture a fair distance from school, ending up at the summit of Titterstone Clee Hill (Shropshire's second highest hill).

None of the class had ever visited this place before and all were in awe of its bleak, windswept plateau.

They were all very attentive of the terrain, especially coming down back to the bus.

As usual, some of the class really immersed themselves in the experience...literally!

(27.10.2024)

 

Brockhampton Estate

Second week back and a trip to the National Trust property Brockhampton Estate.

The class are fascinated to find a life-size replica of a barge that would have carried cider apples down the Severn. 

After asking permission, one of the class indulged in a spot of 'Apple Scrumping' with a little help from Mr Simpson!

They all enjoyed time on the orchard playground.

 

Moving on to the 24-25 school year...Autumn Term

 

A new school year...the excitement of the sunny Summer holidays seems a distant memory.

But wrap up warm and venture outside and a whole new experience is there to be found.

Puddles, mud, wind-blown trees and shimmering cobwebs.

Primary 2 (23.10.2024 at Hawkbatch Wood) 

Green Valley, Malvern.

Some days when out with the class, everything around is sunny, sweet and uplifting. Then you come across a little art project randomly situated in the wild.

And to top it off, one of your group leaves a little note with their thoughts and feelings.

Very proud of Primary 3 (07.05.2024)

Fortitude and Altitude

Very often, when time and especially the weather conditions allow, the classes will be taken for some extended physical exercise which will culminate in a hugely rewarding view at the top. Some of the pupils feel the exhilaration, some of them will struggle to see the point of all the effort.

But time is always taken to outline to all involved how beneficial efforts to visit places like these are not only for their physical health but also for their mental well being.

(21.06.2024 Yr10D top - 10.11.2023 Yr10D below)

 

Fort Royal Park and Ham Bridge Farm Bank

We travel to a huge variety of places. Some are off the beaten track, some are of great historical interest. There are places that the pupils have visited lots and are firm favourites. Once in a while, the pupils will end up somewhere that they have never been before. But very often, regardless of the activity or challenges set, there is nothing that beats rolling down a grassy bank!  (14.11.2023 Yr 8 top - 16.05.2024 Yr 9 below)

 

Cob House, Wichenford

Year 9 took a trip to the Cob House at Wichenford. The venue offers a great opportunity for the pupils to feed and pet a variety of rare animals. They have alpacas, reindeer and some very cute and messy pot-bellied pigs. (10.01.2024)

National Trust (Croome Court)

 Last season the school purchased a membership package which enables the classes to visit some of the amazing properties, parks and places owned and run by the National Trust. The organisation have had a huge push over the last few years to make visits for schools and children to not only be fun, but also engaging and informative. Here are a bunch from Primary 3 enjoying time on the playground and also being swallowed whole by an amazing tree in the park. (28.03.2024)

Dowles Brook, nr. Bewdley

On a sweltering Summer's day in June, Primary 2 travelled to the North of Bewdley to a stream called Dowles Brook. This runs alongside an old mill house and up a steep bank towards an old abandoned railway track. 

The stream is perfect not only for loose play and paddling, but the class can also be guided first hand about safety near water and the respect and consideration that must be taken in these places.

As you can see above, the temptation for some of the class was just too much! (26.06.2024)

 

Rifle Range Nature Reserve, nr. Bewdley

 Primary 3 had been exploring some of the exciting features of this area. They ascended the sandstone outcrop known as 'The Devils' Spittleful' and some of the class found it a little too exciting.

On the way back to bus, they noticed a fenced off area. After standing quietly for a short time some sheep emerged from the undergrowth, probably looking to be fed. The class were amazed at how quiet they were and how many of them appeared.

It was a really good example to them that if you are at times quiet and patient, what amazing things you are likely to see. (22.03.2024)

Midsummer Sunrise 2024

 

Pupils from across the school were given the opportunity to experience the Midsummer sunrise after climbing to the summit of the Worcester beacon. This is a exciting chance for the pupils to see something from a completely different perspective, which in turn forms a lasting and overwhelmingly positive memory. (21.06.2024)

Woodland Wayfinding

Year 7 enjoying some late low Autumn sun whilst orienteering around the Wyre Forest on Callow Hill (20.11.2023)

 

Wild Garlic at Southstone

When year 10 visited Southstone they were greeted by the ground swathed in Wild Garlic. A few of the class commented on the sight and smell. (10.05.2024)

Shortly after, the fun began for a few of the more adventurous within the group. (10.05.2024)

 

 

DofE at Top Barn

 

Two of the Year 10 Silver DofE participants practising their skills during a capsize drill. (17.05.2024)