Spring is here! The sun is out and so are the daffodils.
Do you remember struggling to open the old back yard gate? No more - we now have a nice new one with a split opening for easy pedestrian access.
No more washing up hot chocolate mugs in the evening. Use our new dishwasher in the Student Kitchen
We've just spent £8K on renewing and upgrading elements on our High Challenge Course. New round beams have been put up for our Jacob's Ladder to replace the square profile ones we had before. The spacings have also been changed to offer more progression to this team challenge as you get higher. We'll be interested to find out how our groups get on and up.
Last week we ran a very successful INSET training day for teachers looking at numeracy and literacy in the outdoors, alongside other cross curricular learning outcomes.
Above a group of teachers replay a video of a successful 'Leap of Faith'
Despite poor weather the group immersed themselves in a variety of activities with enthusiasm. Above a 'circular mapping' exercise with cross curricular themes and outcomes. The day was supported by 3 Bristol CC School Improvement Officers, including DFSC's line manager below, in our Tunnel System
Delegate feedback on the course was all very positive some of which is quoted below:
I had a
fantastic day in a fantastic setting. There are plenty of meaningful learning
opportunities that will benefit all children in a holistic way. I would
recommend visiting Dean Field to any primary school looking to provide a
memorable experience for their children.
Shaun
Hartnell, Yr 3 Teacher, Westbury-on-Trym Academy
An engaging,
collaborative day that built/developed strong relationships, confidence and
team building skills. A day that opened my eyes to how powerful and effective
the outdoor learning environment can be!
Emma
Robinson, St George C of E Primary
I was really
impressed with the centre’s depth of knowledge about how to use their resources
to develop cross-curricular learning, emotional development and children’s
learning skills. A huge deal of thought has gone into the provision and how
teachers could be supported to use it with their own classes. Overall I am
extremely impressed with the centre and can’t wait to bring children here
myself!
Joe Cook,
Hannah More Primary
Fantastic
place! Love the problem solving activities. I will definitely be trying these
in my school. Great bunch of people with outstanding staff! Fantastic
experience! Can’t wait to come back!
Emily Ball,
New Fosseway Special School
A fantastic
day which gave a wealth of ideas for literacy, numeracy and ICT. Also showed
how many outcomes can be met through one activity.
Leanne
Wilding, Fonthill
Thanks for a
great day! It provided me with opportunities to experience the activities my
class could benefit from if we came here and plenty of cross- curricular links
with our curriculum which we could focus on here. It has also made me
reconsider the values and emphasis we put on our curriculum and children’s
learning and how learning outdoors could develop far more skills and emotional
literacy than a classroom can! I’ll be back!
Claire
Carpenter, Fonthill, Southmead
