Outdoor Adventures with Year 3 Visitors

Three of our Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths (STEAM) students, Finn (Year 10), Alanna and Robin (Year 9) welcomed 45 pupils from local primary school, St Teresa’s Catholic Academy, for an outdoor education workshop on Wednesday 4^th May, along with Isaac Walker, our Outdoor Education Manager, and Science teacher, Rachel Milhofer. “I loved having the opportunity to work and engage with younger people and answering questions. Their behaviour was great and I think that they loved just having the opportunity to be outdoors and just have a break away from the class room.” commented Alanna.

The Year 3 visitors were excited to get stuck into their activities which included water collection, water purification, seed bomb making and an ecology themed scavenger hunt. In addition to exploring 65 acres of parkland they enjoyed getting both muddy and wet as they filtered dirty water and rolled soil, sand and seeds together to create their wild flower bombs.

Situated on the edge of the cricket field Rachel let the groups through the process of gathering water using a range of outdoor survival techniques involving plastic sheeting and bottles as well as teaching them how materials like muslin, twigs and gravel can be effective at filtering out impurities from water. The young visitors were amazed at how many people across the world still lack reliable access to clean water when they are so used to turning on a tap. Isaac focussed on orienteering skills in the scavenger hunt with the pupils discovering hidden bugs which they could draw on their sheets before finding the real thing in the grass and bushes. The seed bomb making with plenty of opportunity to mix dirt and seeds was immensely popular although it was necessary to ensure some very thorough hand washing before the cookies appeared! “There was a LOT of water!” laughed Kalissa! Gold stars were given out for each pupil to add to their passport as they progressed through the morning and these were greatly treasured by our young adventurers.

Class teacher, Julie McGinley, commented, “It was brilliant, successful and fun. We would have loved to stay the whole day and take longer doing the great activities!” Colleague and Teaching Assistant Elaine Gee added, “It was enjoyable seeing the children so excited and engaged in all the activites and the children running around the grounds!” Yannah (Year 3) enthused, “It was fabulous and fun”. “I loved it” said Erin. Harry agreed commenting “I would recommend it.”