Survival Week – Day One

What a fantastic first day of Survival Week we've had!

We started the morning by making God's Eyes, learning about what they are and why they may have been used. We discussed that, in a real survival situation, we probably wouldn't have brightly coloured wool to use, so why were we doing this activity? This led to some brilliant discussions about using the natural resources around us. The children suggested that twigs could be used for many different purposes, such as building shelters, creating kindling for a fire and making tools. We also talked about how, in a survival situation, it's important to keep our minds busy and stay positive. Although we used wool today, we discussed how twine or other materials found in the forest could be used to create something similar.

When it came to demonstrating how to make a God's Eye, Mrs West needed to send out a little SOS... thankfully, Mrs Burke came to the rescue! 

The children showed fantastic focus throughout the activity. Many began using lolly sticks to practise before moving on to real twigs as their confidence grew. It was wonderful to see so much resilience as they tried to remember the weaving pattern and persevered when things didn't quite go to plan. Some children even made more than one and were keen to help others master the technique. They enjoyed it so much that several chose to continue making them during wellbeing time after lunch!

Next came one of the activities everyone had been looking forward to... the climbing wall. Wow... it certainly looked big when we first walked over! There was a real buzz of excitement, and every child gave it their best effort. Before they started, we talked about success not always meaning reaching the top or pressing the button. Instead, we focused on challenging ourselves, recognising how far we'd climbed and celebrating our own achievements.

It was incredible to watch the children grow in confidence throughout the session. Some children initially climbed just a couple of steps before coming back down, only to return later and press the button right at the top! Others thought they would only have one attempt but ended up tackling all four different climbing routes. It was fantastic to see so many children pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones, encouraging one another and celebrating each other's successes. Of course, Mrs West couldn't resist having a go too!

The afternoon started with some wellbeing time, where we continued our survival theme by reading our class text all about real-life survival stories. The children were fascinated by the incredible true events and enjoyed answering questions, making thoughtful links between the stories and the survival skills we had been developing throughout the day. It was a lovely opportunity to slow down, reflect and prepare for our final activity.

After wellbeing, we headed to Forest School, where the children worked in teams to design and build survival shelters. They were given access to long branches, string, tarpaulins and any other natural resources they could find around them. The teamwork, communication and problem-solving on display were brilliant. Some groups even decided to completely redesign their shelters halfway through as they evaluated what was and wasn't working - a fantastic example of resilience and adapting their ideas. It was lovely to see every group approaching the challenge differently and making the most of the resources available to them.

What an amazing first day of Survival Week! The children have already demonstrated resilience, teamwork, perseverance, creativity and problem-solving, and it has been wonderful to see so many of them stepping outside of their comfort zones and encouraging one another along the way.

We can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings!

Survival Week – Day Two

Another fantastic day of Survival Week and another day full of teamwork, resilience and problem-solving!

We started the morning with our STEM Shelter Challenge. The children's mission was to design and build a survival shelter that could withstand a series of tests using only a limited selection of materials: lolly sticks, paper straws, string and Sellotape. However, there was one important rule - the Sellotape could only be used to secure pieces together, not to coat or strengthen the shelter!

Before getting started, we discussed why shelters are so important in a survival situation. The children shared lots of brilliant ideas, including protection from the wind, rain and even predators. At first, many looked at the small pile of resources and wondered how on earth they were going to create a shelter! However, it wasn't long before the classroom was full of planning, discussing and building. It was fantastic to see some children drawing on knowledge from our English lessons and applying it to their designs.

The finished shelters were all incredibly different. We had shelters of all shapes and sizes, some with doors, others with beds, and lots of creative ideas that we hadn't even considered! Once the building was complete, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for... the testing!

Each shelter had to complete four challenges:

• Wind Test (using a fan)
• Rain Test (using a fine mist spray)
• Could their survivor fit inside?
• Strength Test

I don't think I've ever seen the class so quiet! Everyone watched with anticipation as each shelter faced the challenges, cheering each other on and celebrating successful designs. It was wonderful to see the children so invested in each other's creations and reflecting on how they could improve their own designs.

Next came Orienteering. At first, the children found it a little tricky to get to grips with the challenge, but it wasn't long before they were confidently racing around the course. Working in teams, they had to locate numbered markers, record the correct letters and return to check their answers before receiving their next clue. It was brilliant to watch their confidence grow as they communicated effectively, shared responsibilities and encouraged one another. As the activity went on, the teams became quicker and more organised, showing fantastic perseverance and determination to complete the course. There were plenty of smiles (and a few speedy sprints!) as they celebrated each successful clue they solved.

To finish the day, we headed out onto the field for tent building. Although we know that, in a real survival situation, we might not have the luxury of a tent, we have read in our class survival book that many expeditions which begin with tents can quickly turn into real survival stories. Knowing how to put one up is therefore a very useful skill!

After a quick demonstration from Mrs West and Mrs Meddings, the children worked together in small groups to pitch their tents. The teamwork on display was incredible. Every child had a role to play, whether it was threading poles, holding parts in place, securing pegs or reading the instructions together. It was lovely to see how well they communicated, listened to one another and solved problems as a team.

Once the tents were up, the children had some time to relax inside, play board games and simply enjoy spending time together. Hearing the laughter coming from the tents was definitely one of the highlights of the day!

Then came what many thought would be the hardest part... packing them away! After another quick demonstration, the children amazed us once again. Working together, they carefully folded the tents and somehow managed to fit them back into those tiny bags! It was another fantastic example of teamwork, perseverance and determination.

Some children told me that after our first day of Survival Week they went home absolutely exhausted... and I have a feeling today might have been exactly the same!

It has been another incredible day filled with creativity, resilience, teamwork and lots of smiles. We can't wait to see what adventures our final day of Survival Week has in store!

Survival Week – Day Three

What an incredible way to finish our Survival Week!

We started our final day with a science experiment, linking perfectly to our discussions about tents, sleeping bags and the importance of being prepared in a survival situation. We began by talking about why a sleeping bag would be such an important piece of equipment if you found yourself stranded outdoors. This linked brilliantly to our class survival book, where we have recently read about an expedition that quickly turned into a life-or-death situation. Thankfully, the explorer had the correct equipment with him, which played a huge part in helping him survive. This led us to think about why sleeping bags are designed the way they are and how they help to keep us warm.

Our investigation focused on insulation. The children tested how well different materials kept hot water warm over time. We investigated three materials: polyester, cotton and fabric. Each group carefully measured the temperature of their hot water at the start of the experiment before wrapping their cups in one of the materials. After waiting, they measured the temperature again to see which material had reduced the temperature drop the most.

Once everyone had completed their investigations, we collected all of our results together in a class table and discussed what we had found. Although there wasn't a huge difference between the materials, this actually led to an excellent scientific discussion. We talked about why polyester is commonly used in sleeping bags, considering not only its insulating properties but also the fact that it is lightweight, dries quickly and doesn't absorb as much water as other materials. It was fantastic to see the children using scientific thinking to explain their ideas and justify their conclusions.

Our second activity of the day was one everyone had been looking forward to... cooking!

We discussed why food is so important in a survival situation and how our bodies need plenty of energy to keep us going. The children learnt why each ingredient had been carefully chosen for our Survival Energy Bars. Oats provide slow-release energy to keep us going for longer, raisins give us a quick burst of natural energy, sunflower seeds are packed with healthy fats and protein, and golden syrup helps to bind everything together while adding a little extra energy too.

After a short demonstration from Mrs West, the children carefully measured out all of their ingredients before returning to watch how to safely melt the butter and complete the next stage of the recipe. Their behaviour and awareness of kitchen safety were fantastic throughout the session, and every child got involved in mixing their ingredients together.

Once the trays were in the oven, it was time for the part that isn't always quite so exciting... the washing up! However, I have to say I was incredibly impressed. The children worked brilliantly together, and by the time we had finished, the cooking room looked as though we had never even been there! As the energy bars baked, the smell coming from the oven was absolutely delicious, and when they were finally ready, everyone was so proud of what they had made. I just hope they enjoy eating them at home this evening as much as they enjoyed making them!

During our wellbeing time, some of the children asked if they could continue making God's Eyes. It was lovely to see that an activity we had completed at the very beginning of the week had become something they genuinely wanted to continue. As our class story began, several children happily carried on weaving, showing just how much they had grown in confidence since Monday.

To finish our Survival Week, the children took part in our Survival Kahoot Quiz! They loved putting their knowledge to the test and answering questions based on everything we had explored throughout the week. The excitement in the room was infectious, and as soon as one game had finished, they were already asking if they could play another! We ended the afternoon by working together on a Survival Codebreaker Challenge, using teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills one final time.

What an unforgettable week it has been! Throughout Survival Week, the children have demonstrated resilience, teamwork, creativity, perseverance and fantastic problem-solving skills. More importantly, they have encouraged one another, celebrated each other's successes and stepped outside of their comfort zones with huge smiles on their faces.

I couldn't be prouder of everything they have achieved this week. Well done, Year 6 - you have all been absolute survival stars!