Year 5 Outdoor Learning Sessions
As you are hopefully aware, we have been taking Year 5 children for outdoor learning and included trips to Aylesford School's indoor climbing wall.
For the remainder of this term we have organised the following...
Monday 9th May - All of Jackdaw Class will go to Tunbridge Wells to explore rocks and woods. We will leave just after 9am and return for 3:15. All children will need a packed lunch. Please let us know if you are entitled to a school provided lunch that you wish to have for your child.
Children will need suitable clothing for scrambling and clambering on rocks and trees with sturdy trainers that can get muddy if needs be. Waterproof coat needed - whatever the forecast. Sun cream and hat may be needed. A good water bottle to last the day is also essential.
Raven Class will do the same 'dayout' on Tuesday 10th May.
On Thursday 12th each class will have a half-day walk from school. We are aiming to complete a 7.5km challenge. Comfortable walking clothes and footwear needed as well as waterproof. Lunch will be at school as normal. Sun protection and suitable drink needed for the walk.
Please come to school in uniform and bring walking clothes to change into.
The last two weeks of term will see every child get a day of climbing at Harrison's Rocks near Groombridge. This is proper outdoor rock climbing using ropes and harnesses!
Harrison's Rocks is owned by the British Mountaineering Council and has a range of different ability climbing challenges. It is a great place to be introduced to climbing.
Children will go in groups on either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday with Jackdaw Class going the week beginning 16th May and Raven Class the last week of term (from 23rd May). We will text you confirmation of the day your child will be going the week before they go.
Each session will be a full day away from school, leaving just after 9am and returning for the end of the day. A packed lunch, plenty of drink and suitable outdoor clothes and waterproof jacket needed. We will go whatever the weather! Hopefully sun cream will be needed rather than the waterproof.
The rocks are sandstone and wear away easily and so we need trainers rather than boots but PE plimsolls may be better for grip. If your child has tight fitting plimsolls then these can be taken to change into for the climb but trainers are needed for the approach. Please don't buy anything especially for this one activity!
In all cases, if there is any reason why your child isn't able to join in then please notify your child's class teacher.
All activities are being led by Gary Blumsum, our outdoor learning teacher, and are perfectly suitable for the children whatever their previous experience. Other members of school staff will be attending and helping assist the groups and where transport is needed to get there we will be using our minibuses.
We are sure the children will love their next few weeks of outdoor adventures. And the really good news - no cost to you!