Prep V set out for a geographical field study walk in the woods today, to consolidate our topic on rivers. Feeling excited about our unexpected freedom on a Wednesday morning, we squelched along the muddy path, enjoying the puddles and the autumn leaves.
Once in the woods, we looked up at the patterns on a maple leaf, and saw that the veins made the same patterns as a river system, where small rivulets join a main river. We also talked about how water gathers and forms a tiny stream flowing downhill from boggy ground, just like the source of a river.
Next, we walked down to Kempnough Brook, and saw how it was joined by smaller tributary streams. It was rather like the Blue Nile and the White Nile – but somewhat smaller! As the brook meandered its way through the woods, we were able to spot erosion, where the fast-flowing brook had worn away the bank, and small “beaches” on the other side, where the slower flowing water how deposited stones, mud, sticks and sand.
We took the path uphill where we could look down on the brook and see all the meanders through the bare trees. For many of us, the highlight of the walk – apart from the chocolate chip cookies – was paddling in the water in our wellingtons, where it was shallow enough to find some interesting historical artefacts on the bed of the brook. We found fragments of old blue and white pottery, bits of glass bottles and tiles, as well as round pebbles which had rubbed together over many years to become smooth.
We made our way back to school, tired but happy, and prised our reluctant wellingtons off at the door. An excellent afternoon’s work, with some well-behaved children who listened and answered questions thoughtfully and knowledgeably.
We were delighted that Mr Grant was able to return to school to lead our walk and share his geographical expertise, and we were very grateful for his knowledge and enthusiasm. Thanks to to Miss Gregory for accompanying us.
I loved how Mr Grant came to help us learn about rivers and I never thought we would get biscuits and Jaffa cakes
Edie R
I liked the woods because we learnt about rivers and because we got to paddle in the stream to search for pottery from Victorian times.
From Darcy Spavin
It was really good seeing mr Grant and I loved the museum we made also the cookies were so delicious
I loved walking in the woods and learning about the Brook. Alice B
I loved this experience mostly because of the cookies and searching the stream for historical items.i had an amazing time,would recommend and would tllike to visit again.
-Anji.S PrepV
I had a really fun time when seeing the stream. I really liked that while we ate cookies we threw sticks in the stream from one side of the bridge. Then, we went to the other side of the bridge to see how long it took for the stick to get to the other side! That was one of my favourite parts but my other favourite part was when we went into the stream and found a lot stuff like glass, a piece of pottery, a HUGE brick and much more!
Lucy Smolar
I really enjoyed this trip to the river. I was surprised when I saw one of our old teachers in thw woods. My favourite part was when we got the cookies and looked for artifacts in the river.
Gabriel
I loved eating the cookie and loved looking for artefacts in the stream. I found a bit of a glass bottle and a brick.
Robyn Prep 5
I really enjoyed seeing the stream and learning about it. I have to say, I didn’t expect to see Mr. Grant! It was a pleasure to see him again. What a coincidence that I was talking about Mr. Grant and he appeared! My favourite part was throwing the sticks in the stream and seeing them float down it. It was quite difficult to find things but we did end up finding some Victorian items in the water. Thank you for a fun afternoon, Jovi 🙂
I really enjoyed going out in the wood and looking at the rivers and when mr Grant was sitting in the branch it made me surprised .and when we went to find stuff that looks like historical things and I found a rock that was grey and had a bit of orange and I loved the colour because I love oranges and I loved it when we put the rocks 🪨 on the tree and look at it like a museum !. (Claudia)!
It was a great experience and a pleasure to see Mr Grant and learning about the river Max M
I really liked the cookies and the museum with the rocks, glass and pottery. Austin.R
It was great I really enjoyed the cookies and playing pooh sticks my toes got drenched in the water it was freezing overall I enjoyed seeing how rivers work it was really interesting seeing all the different parts of a river and learning some new things
(by Isha)