Sharneyford Forest School 2025/2026

May 2026

Class 1 had a fantastic time at Forest School, they had some rain but it didn't stop the fun. They had a tarp up to shelter under when needed. Their activities included designing and creating a magic wand (may spells were cast!), having a try at Hapa-zome (Japanese flower bashing) and after their story about minibeasts a chance to be those creatures. The centipede was a great success! They had a snack and hot chocolate to keep their energy levels up. 

Class 2 & 3 also had some mixed weather but it wasn't cold. Their activities included making a journey stick, these are sticks that you add tactile items to remind you of your journey (we talked about how they came from the indigenous peoples of Australia). They collected items from nature and from the resource bag that provoked a memory of something, made them feel something or a smell. Class 3 did an amazing job, their journey sticks were fabulous and some of the children were happy to tell others what their sticks represented which was lovely. They had clearly thought about the task and what the items meant to them. Class 2 made throwing stars they were show how to do a square lash to create the throwing star. Once they were all complete we had a fun competition to see who could throw theirs the furthest. There were targets with number to mark the distances, we discussed how to change their throwing style if they didn't achieve the throw they were expecting. 

Spring 2026

Class 1's Forest School session was blessed with some fabulous warm spring sunshine. They discussed and looked for signs of spring, and also listened to the birds. They had a great time completing an Easter egg hunt. The children had to find the hidden eggs, bring them to an adult who opened the eggs (which had a forfeit inside), the children read the forfeit and had to do whatever it said. Things like: hop like a bunny, leap like a lamb, sing 'run rabbit' and dance like a chicken to mention a few. They then had a snack and a drink before having some free time to explore the site.

Clas 2 & 3 had an even warmer day than Class 1, it was glorious! Their task was to design and build a small raft. The raft had to be able to float in the tub, but it also had to be stable enough to carry stones (which had been weighed and the weigh written on them). The raft which floated and carried the most weight won. There were lots of different designs, the children used their problem solving skills to workout how to make sure that their raft could carry some of the stones. They also had a drink and a snack, Class 3 had a few games of capture the flag before returning to school.

Autumn 2025

Class 1 had a frosty start to their session. They explored our new Forest School area and learnt the new boundaries. They children made Father Christmas cookie decorations using paint, glue, cotton balls and pom poms. They then enjoyed hot chocolate and a biscuit to help them warm up.

Most of the frost had disappeared by the time Class 2 arrived at Forest School in the afternoon. They explored the new site and enjoyed sliding down the grass bank (this was a big hit with all the groups) Class 2 had to create a Christmas tree out of willow twigs and decorate it. They learnt how to tie basic knots, they then had their hot chocolate and biscuits bfore returning to school.

It was super frosty for Class 3's session. They also explored the new area and found the new boundaries, both physical and invisible. Their activity was to make a willow star decoration. This tested their knot tying skills and also their resilience. The children enjoyed warming up with hot chocolate and biscuits.