Pushing their limits

 A big part of the Outdoor Education provision is pushing the pupils physically in some pretty dynamic and demanding situations.

Whether it's height or length, the conditions or exposure there are a multitude of circumstances that arise during the sessions which offer the opportunity to push and stretch their comfort zone and capabilities, and at the same time give them a moment to assess the risk and possible consequences of what they are attempting.

There is something about a fallen tree that attracts all youngsters to attempt a precarious shuffle across its length. Sometimes this is relatively close to the floor, leaving a challenge that is pretty easy to manage, especially for some of the younger classes...

...and then, conversely, there is the unwavering draw to the more senior pupils when they see something that might offer them prestige and kudos amongst their peers if they are able to conquer it.

A full and frank discussion is held beforehand, outlining the confidence they have in their ability to complete the challenge successfully, how they balance the peer pressure and cajoling by the rest of their class, what to expect if it goes wrong and how they would react if they did fail.

Also, we may chat about how to be humble if successful and how all of these things are progressive. They will eventually reach a level where they have to either turn away or seriously appraise the risk and reward of what they are about to attempt. 

General scrambling around, on a variety of terrain with the weather conditions to also consider, is also a thoroughly enjoyable pursuit. It's manageable and reasonably easy to persuade even the most uncertain of pupils to take part and it is surprising how they can overcome the doubt in their own abilities and quickly progress to higher and steeper places.

Then, there is the most dynamic of all the activities. Jumping. Whether it is from height, clearing a gap or just not being bothered to climb back down, this is the one challenge that holds the most jeopardy and excitement for all the pupils.

There is a discussion involving a wide range of topics;

• Psychology- risk/reward balance, dealing with peer pressure, overcoming fear and uncertainty.
• Physiology- physical demands placed on the body, balance and poise, possibility of injury.
• Environmental- terrain and conditions, effects of weather.

This is probably one of the trickiest challenges to manage and facilitate as the pupils will see some of their more adventurous and physically capable peers achieve some pretty impressive feats of daring. Often it requires a tactful and discreet conversation to some of the pupils that will help them to keep their expectations more realistic whilst still offer the opportunity to progress to attempt something that they find exhilarating and rewarding.

 

And occasionally it does go wrong...even after taking into account all the things above and having the confidence to attempt it, sometimes they come up short.

...it can mean wet feet,

...or a real "Holy Moly" moment.

Regardless of the outcome, the emphasis within all of the conversation afterwards is positive, explanatory and supportive. Outlining what happened and how this led to the mishap and most importantly, how to overcome the setback, highlighting what needs to be done to make the next attempt successful.

"Choose the great adventure of being brave and afraid

at the exact same time."

                                               -Brene Brown

 

Navigating the Wyre Forest

Year 10 ventured out to the Wyre Forest for their end of week jaunt. The bus was parked at Hawkbatch and we crossed over the B4194 and headed South West into the myriad of trials and rides that criss-cross Withybed Wood and Longdon Orchard. 

The guys went a touch off-piste initially and ended up bushwhacking through a pretty harsh gorse thicket. There were some that went head first and blasted through and others that tried to tiptoe through dodging everything sharp and prickly (which was virtually impossible and very slow). It was interesting to see the different approaches and the demeanour of all when the class finally found a clearing. Some of the gang were pretty cheesed off, whilst others wondered what all the fuss was about...

We descended to Dowles Brook which meanders alongside the old Bewdley to Wooferton railway line, now used for recreational access. When alongside the brook they realised the majority of the group didn't have shoes to wade through the brook and so they set about building a makeshift bridge.

It is great for staff to see the year group work in an inventive and supportive way, offering suggestions, taking account of advice and others opinions, and ultimately being able to come up with a practical, workable solution to a problem that the team all face.

Eventually, after what seemed like a concerted effort to all involved, the integrity of the project was put to the test.

Success...maybe a handrail as well next time for the less surefooted!

Art for Sculpture Week

 Year 3 and 4 have been tasked with creating some sculptures during their forest school sessions, utilising some of the natural resources around the garden and grounds of the school, as part of the end of term Art project that is being  overseen by Ms. Schwab.

Both classes were shown some pictures of art created by others to help inspire and it was fascinating then to see some of the ways that they interpreted the brief; choosing both random and sometimes very specific topics to base their creations upon. 

It was fascinating for the staff to see the ideas develop and take shape; there was "Dobby" from the Harry Potter movies, SpongeBob Squarepants and also a cute little Christmas tree complete with decorations and presents.

Projects like this are a great way to encourage the pupils to look at their surroundings in an abstract way, fostering an appreciation of the process that eventually achieves the outcome. It promotes flexible thinking and broadens perception of patterns and shapes in the natural environment.

Slipping and sliding at Perrywood

 A few of the classes have been enjoying some challenging sessions at the Nature Reserve in Perrywood, right in the heart of town. It's a short hop if the classes want some excitement and due to the kindness of the weather over the summer, conditions underfoot are still really good as it can get very messy in mid-winter.

A sturdy rope was slung from a big oak tree at the top of a very steep bank. I showed the class how to tie a few handholds in the rope using a knot called an overhand loop.

The class was then asked to make their way collectively using the rope, assisting the less confident members of the team and taking care to leave no-one behind. It was fabulous to see them working so closely as a team, offering guidance and shouting encouragement to all their peers.

After repeating this a few times with the more confident ones actively pushing the others to press on in a quicker manner, it was decided to see if they could do it on their own and then as a team, forming a human chain. This proved hilarious as some of the staff couldn't help but get involved in the mayhem.

Activities such as this may at first glance seem like a little light-hearted fun but they have inherently constructive and positive impact. It shows the pupils that staff are more than willing to engage in the challenges and activities that we present them, building trust and reliance between staff and pupils. It also demonstrates the huge benefits to our pupils of just rolling around laughing and messing about.

We don't stop playing because we grow old;         we grow old because we stop playing.

George Bernard Shaw

Highly tuned observational skills

 

This is just a quick note on what happened in a fleeting moment while Year 9 were on a walk alongside the Severn a few weeks ago. A couple of the pupils were walking ahead with Louis when another of the class asked for every ones attention. We gathered around to be shown a leaf lay on the floor under a birch tree. He commented on how it had an uncanny resemblance to an alien.

All the staff were taken aback by how this little detail had been spotted, focused on and compared to another image from pop culture! In the blink of an eye...

It was a moment that really highlighted the creative thinking and attention to fine detail that some of our pupils hold.

The Symonds Yat moneymaker!

 Year 10 took a long hop on the bus at the end of the week to visit Symonds Yat just after Ross on Wye. The school have used the campsite at Biblins several times and are very familiar with the rambling paths that meander along the steep banks leading down to the River Wye.

First stop was a drop down to the river’s edge where many people over time have entertained themselves with the mischievous practice of hammering coins into an old tree trunk, leaving enough proud to tempt willing/gullible people to try and prise them from the grip of the old wood. 

I have never seen such a determined effort for such a minimal reward. Everyone had a go at trying to make their “meagre” fortune and much mirth was had by those watching the futile attempts. 

After a hefty push by some up the steep bank flanking the river, and a steady trundle up the path by the rest of the group, they both came to the cave entrances on the top of the hill.  

After the group was outlined with a very specific safety briefing, they made their way down a narrow cleft in the rock which opened up into a wide, natural amphitheatre. All the pupils were in awe of what they saw in front of them. Vast, cavernous openings which gaped widely. 

The pupils were allowed to take a few pictures at the entrances. I explained to them all that even though the setting seemed overwhelmingly "awesome" that there were many dangers exploring a place such as this, leaving them with the firm understanding that it was not an environment to be taken on without professional guidance, the correct equipment and a great deal of respect.