1D enjoyed an exciting outdoor learning session centred around the fire pit. Before lighting the fire, we talked together about fire safety and the importance of sitting on the benches at all times.

Once the fire was lit, the pupils spent time quietly observing the flames. They noticed how the fire changed shape and colour as the wood burned. We discussed what we could see, hear and smell. The children described the crackling sounds, the warmth of the fire, and the different shades of orange, yellow and red in the flames. This was a great opportunity to build vocabulary and practise careful observation.

After watching the fire, the children used charcoal to create their own drawings inspired by what they had seen. We talked about how charcoal comes from burnt wood and how it can be used to make dark lines and shading. The pupils experimented with different marks, smudging and blending to show the movement of the flames and the shapes of the wood in the fire pit.

The activity encouraged creativity, curiosity and discussion. It also helped the children make a connection between the natural materials around them and the art they were creating.

Nest building in science week with 1C

1C had a wonderful time exploring nature as they became nest builders for the afternoon. After talking about how birds build their nests, the children went on a short walk around the outdoor area to collect natural materials. They gathered sticks, moss, leaves and mud to help them create their nests.

Working together in pairs, the children carefully arranged their materials to build strong and cosy nests. They thought about how birds use sticks to create a sturdy base and softer materials like moss and leaves to keep eggs warm and protected. They used mud to help hold their nests together, just like some birds do in the wild.

The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity and problem-solving. The children discussed their ideas, tested different materials and helped each other when their nests needed a little extra support.

Once the nests were finished, we looked at each one and talked about what had worked well. The pupils were proud of their creations and enjoyed explaining how they built them and why they chose certain materials.

This experience helped children develop their understanding of nature while using their imagination and working collaboratively.