Romp around Turn Mill

 Year 6 had the weather on their side for their trip down to Turn Mill. Being a morning session, they had some extra time to explore a little further and spend a little longer when they found something of interest. 

On the first stop, they were set a challenge to jump across a huge, expansive part of the brook (8 feet!😉) that some of the pupils further up the school had attempted on their visit to the setting. A couple of the pupils went headlong into the challenge after spending a while to muster up the courage for the initial take off. They flew through the air with both confidence and commitment, but if success was to be judged by dry feet and shoes it must be said that they both “came up short”. Neither of them were in the slightest bit perturbed by their predicament and we always stress to parents and carers that a change of clothes for these sessions will allow the pupils to experience whatever they come across, to the full. 

A couple of pupils wanted to practice using hand tools and I carry a small folding saw for just such occasions. After a full safety briefing they were watched carefully by myself as they attempted to saw through a small stick of windblown hazel. This is a great test of dexterity, fine motor skill and also patience as it takes a lot longer than they always think to see any progress. It is not only good to see them use tools with confidence and respect but also it is a nice boost to their self-esteem as they have the opportunity to use a tool independently, albeit under strict guidance.