From making maps to celebrating Odd Socks Day, this week Forest School has been a wonderful reminder of how outdoor learning and positive mental health go hand in hand.
The children used maps to follow our route up to the Forest School Base. After sharing a snack, they thought about how to feel calm and happier – hugging trees, watching leaves dance on the trees, clouds race across the sky and deep breathing were all great ideas. Time to explore, climb trees and play with friends before returning down the hill to school.
The children have absolutely loved learning about fireworks and how we can enjoy them safely. As part of our learning we have:
💥 Firework Pictures
Using black card, bright paints, and plenty of imagination, the children created their own firework display pictures. We experimented with different tools — from cardboard tubes and sponges to brushes and even forks — to make bursts of colour that looked just like real fireworks lighting up the night sky!
🍪 Firework Biscuits
Our creativity didn’t stop there! The children decorated some firework biscuits. Using plain biscuits as a base, they decorated them with icing and sprinkles to make colourful explosions of sparkle.
A fun morning had by everyone!
What an exciting afternoon! The children explored health, caregiving and what happens when we visit the doctor—all in a safe, playful way. The doctors set up interactive stations that showed our children exactly why good habits are so important for staying healthy!
- The Mighty Toothbrush
We learned that our teeth work hard for us—smiling, talking, and eating! The biggest lesson was mastering the two-minute clean. Using fun, oversized models, the doctors showed us how to brush every surface: front, back, and the chewing tops.
Key Takeaway: We need to scrub away the sugar bugs twice a day to keep our smiles strong!
- Hand Washing Detectives 💧
Germs are sneaky! Using a special UV light, the children got to see how much dirt hides on their hands. This hands-on lesson is crucial for preventing tummy bugs, sniffles and sneezes!
- Exercise Explorers 💪
The Teddy Bear Doctors reminded us that our bodies are meant to move! We had a mini-workout where we jumped, stretched, and wiggled just like our teddy bears needed to do to get strong hearts and bouncy legs. We learned that exercise is good for our heart and lungs.
- Talking to Doctors: The Confidence Boost 🤗
This was the most valuable part for reducing potential anxieties. Children got to role-play being the ‘caregiver’ for their teddy. They practiced:
- Telling the doctor what was wrong with Teddy (using clear words!).
- Letting the doctor use a stethoscope to listen to Teddy’s heart.
- Helping to bandage up their bears.
Year 1 had a fabulous time on our school trip to Rushcliffe Country Park. We had a very busy day exploring the woods, looking for signs of Autumn and imaging what it would be like to live in the woods like Robin Hood and his Merry Men. In the afternoon we did a materials scavenger hut finding everyday materials around the sensory park and investigating how they had been used. To finish our day off we had a play on the play park which the children loved! The children were amazing and did the school proud whilst out and about. Thank you again to our parent helpers, without your support the trip would not have been possible.
The Eco Team have had a busy start to the year with their Fairtrade Fortnight campaign. They gave an assembly to the whole school to tell them about Fairtrade. Fairtrade is a system which aims to make trade fairer in developing countries. They ensure that workers have fair wages, safe working conditions and stronger rights. They also ensure that farmers receive the best price for their goods.
This years campaign was all about promoting Fairtrade tea. The Eco Team decided that the best thing to go with a cup of tea is cake! They told everyone about a whole school competition where children could choose to bake a cake at home using Fairtrade ingredients and then take a photograph to send in to the team. Children could also decide to make a Fairtrade poster to explain why it is such a worthy and important campaign.
We had lots of entries of amazing bakes and informative posters. The Eco Team are looking forward to choosing some winners and giving out Fairtrade prizes in Celebrate assembly.
Thank you so much to everyone who took part!
This term we have been lucky to have Basketball coaching with Jimmy! He has taught the children the main skills needed for a game of Basketball which has led to a final tournament in our final lesson
Year 3 had a brilliant day at Bestwood Education Centre last week. We learned so much about the Stone Age with a fully immersive experience. During the morning, we got into tribes and competed to build tents. Then we painted our ‘Cave wall’ did some willow weaving and even had a go at sawing a pendent.
We were more than ready for lunch! In the afternoon, we dressed in animal skins and built Stonehenge, decorated our medallions and made a clay pot! What an exciting day.
This half-term we have combined storytelling, movement, and mindfulness in a magical adventure: Bear Hunt Yoga! with the help from Mrs Bathgate. Our little explorers embarked on a journey that stretched both their imaginations and their bodies. Each part of the story became a different yoga pose.
Not only did this activity help develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination, but it also encouraged listening, sequencing, and emotional expression. The children loved acting out the story and were fully immersed in the adventure.
We ended our session with a calming moment, lying down and imagining we were safe and warm back home, just like in the story.
What a lovely blend of literacy and physical development – and a reminder that learning can be active, joyful, and full of wonder.
Today is World Mental Health Day — a day that reminds us how important it is to take care of our emotional wellbeing. For our youngest learners in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supporting mental health often starts with something very simple: creativity.
On World Mental Health Day — and every day — creative play is a powerful way to support little minds and big feelings. At BRW, we’re committed to nurturing not just early learning, but early emotional health too.
Today the children have been keeping their bodies and minds active outside; creating collaborative drawings whilst listening to some calm music and also using a range of natural objects and small world toys to create pictures together.
What a fun day!!
EYFS Adventures: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!
Today we brought the magic of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” indoors!
Despite the rainy weather outside, nothing could stop us from going on an adventure. Here’s a look at some of our exciting indoor bear hunt activities and all the learning that took place along the way.
We read the story aloud, using actions and sound effects to bring each part to life:
- Swishy swashy grass,
- Splash splosh through the river,
- Squelch squerch through the mud,
- All the way to the deep, dark cave!
The children enthusiastically joined in, building confidence in language, sequencing, and storytelling skills. Some even started to create their own versions of the journey!
The children then explored our natural objects such pinecones, stones, wood, and conkers. Using these, they created their own bear faces – look how creative they have been!
And finally – using a variety of small construction materials, the children worked both independently and in small groups to design and build the perfect cave for a bear to live in. This hands-on, imaginative activity sparked so much creativity and collaboration.
WOW! What a busy Friday they have had!
