Forest School
July 2026
Today marked our final Forest School session with Year 6 as they prepare to spread their wings and begin a new chapter.
We spent time reflecting on their journey through St John Fisher, searching for one word that captured what their years here had meant to them—or a word they hoped might inspire the children who follow in their footsteps. Each word was carefully written onto a wooden disc , varnished, and hung from our hawthorn tree , leaving behind a lasting piece of themselves that will inspire our school community for years to come.
Around the campfire, we took part in our annual ‘Burn Your Worries’ reflection. Starting high school can bring excitement , curiosity and, for many, a few worries too . Rather than pretending those worries don’t exist, we acknowledged them. Each child had the opportunity to write down something they wanted to leave behind today—whether that was a fear, a doubt or a "what if"—before placing it into the fire.
The fire wasn’t there to magically make worries disappear. It was a reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s finding the strength to keep moving forwards even when we feel uncertain. Just like the small sparks we’d created earlier through fire lighting, every one of us carries a fire inside: resilience , kindness , curiosity and courage . Those qualities, alongside our faith , are the things that will help light the way through whatever comes next.
We finished in the best way we know how—sharing homemade s’mores around the flames.
To our wonderful Year 6s: thank you for the memories , the muddy boots , the campfire conversations and the joy you’ve brought to the woods. May your roots always remind you where you’ve come from, and your wings carry you confidently towards wherever life takes you next.
July 2026
Today’s Year 6 Forest School took us out onto the fields, where the shade of the willow trees became the perfect setting for a day of teamwork, challenge and fun!
The children tackled a series of team games including Splat, Gutter Run, Rope Shapes, Sticky Stick, Tiny Tarp and, of course, enjoyed some much-needed water fights and hydration breaks in the summer heat!
Every activity demanded communication, cooperation and creative thinking. We saw fantastic leadership, determination, resilience and plenty of encouragement as teams worked together to solve problems and support one another.
It’s hard to believe we have just one Forest School session left with this wonderful Year 6 group. Next week, we’ll celebrate everything they’ve achieved during their time at St John Fisher and send them on their way with some final outdoor memories. We can’t wait to give them the send-off they truly deserve!
June 2026
Well done to Year 6 for being so safe in the sun today! We made sure to stay cool and protected throughout our Forest School session, making the most of the shade provided by our canopy and the woodland.
To help us cool down, we enjoyed a water fight under the canopy, where we could have lots of fun whilst staying nicely shaded and getting thoroughly soaked! After a 'hydration break' we headed into the woods to sit in the cool shade and whittle our own little Tomte – a traditional Scandinavian woodland gnome from Nordic folklore. Some of us had a go at finger knitting too to make mini scarves for them.
There was also time to relax in the hammocks and enjoy a refreshing ice pop.
As we entered the wooded area, it was remarkable to feel the difference in temperature. The trees provided welcome shade and helped keep the area significantly cooler than the open spaces around us. It was a wonderful reminder of just how important trees are, especially during hot weather.
We are very grateful for our beautiful trees and the safe, shaded spaces they provide for our children to learn, play and explore.
June 2026
Year 6 Forest School Fun!
A gentle return to school after our PGL adventure , with a focus on developing practical woodcraft and outdoor cooking skills .
The children practised whittling hazel rods before making simple damper bread , which they carefully wrapped around their sticks and cooked over the hot coals . It was wonderful to gather together and enjoy the fruits of their hard work!
We also spent time harvesting vegetables from our planters and celebrating the rewards of our gardening efforts .
It was a fantastic day of teamwork , resilience , and reconnecting with one another in nature .
To top it all off, we were lucky enough to spot a coal tit busily flying back and forth to the bird box , delivering treats to its very noisy chicks . What an amazing wildlife moment to witness!
June 2026
Forest School Adventures!
Today, our Year 6 explorers found themselves stranded in the woods and faced with an exciting survival challenge!
Their first mission was to build a cosy den before the rain arrived. Working brilliantly as teams , they created impressive shelters complete with lookout perches , escape routes , and even see-saws!
The creativity , teamwork and problem-solving on display were fantastic, and it was clear they had their survival plans well under control.
Next came the challenge of cleaning water from a pond. Using a range of natural materials including rocks , shingle, leaves and dried grass , the children designed and built their own water filters. To help save a few socks from being sacrificed, we also provided some cotton wool! It was amazing to see how much clearer the water became as it passed through their carefully designed filters.
The children also learned that although the water looked much cleaner, it would still need to be boiled or treated to remove harmful microorganisms before it would be safe to drink —just like in real-world water treatment systems.
A huge well done to everyone for their enthusiasm , teamwork and determination . We were so impressed by the creativity , resilience and engineering skills shown throughout the session!
We can’t wait to see what adventures await us at our next Forest School session!
June 2026
Year 6 Forest School – Final Term Begins!
Today, our Year 6 children started their final Forest School term! They spent some time reflecting on their journey since Reception, thinking about how much they have grown , developed and learned over the years. It was wonderful to look back on their achievements and celebrate how far they have come.
As they prepare for the exciting next stage of their education , this term will focus on building confidence , independence and resilience through a range of practical outdoor challenges . We’ll be learning a variety of survival and bushcraft skills , encouraging the children to problem-solve , work together and develop a deeper connection with the natural world .
We can’t wait to see what they achieve over the coming weeks! Watch this space for updates on their adventures.
