Writes Richard Bowman, Head of Geography
You wouldn’t think very much of interest is ever likely to take place on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, but then these are strange times. Tucked away in the woods you will find Root’D Adventure and a perfect opportunity for our Year 6 boys to get stuck in and muddy. And this year there was plenty of mud on offer. Thanks to the charms of a typically unpredictable English June, we were treated to several thorough soakings, but I’m pleased to report that if anything the addition of water just enhanced the effervescent fizz of it all.
Our gang threw themselves with abandon into all sorts of forest fun, from learning about bushcraft and animal trails, to buggy building, team games and even a spot of very soggy tunnel crawling. There was no chance for an afternoon nap under an oak tree as they were run out of steam from one thing to the next, which in turn lent the small bonus that by night they slept like little logs (well, until the birdsong kicked in at 4am).
This trip continues a growing relationship with Root’D Adventure, who never fail to impress with their forest skills and enthusiasm for the outdoor life. They also make a killer slice of toast, and I am led to believe that their cake isn’t bad either. Please read on to see what the boys thought, just so you know I’m not making it up.
Writes Aarav K., Jimi A. and Zac L. (Y6)
We went to Phasel’s Wood from Monday the 8 of June to Wednesday 10 of June and it was an incredibly fun, muddy, wet, very muddy, and even muddier experience. When we arrived the excitement was visible (as well as the mud) as everyone was rushing to get to know what the tents were like and who their tent mates would be for the next two nights. There were 6 Bell tents for boys, and everyone was happy with who they were with.
The rest of the day followed, with activities such as a session on bushcraft, a scavenger hunt and shelter-making. The activities were mini competitions in groups of tents. Everyone enjoyed the activities (and the mud) and had lots of fun.
The next day was an entire day of activities which started with one group exploring some very wet and dark underground tunnels. The other group made buggies from logs and empty barrels. We raced each other, which was really fun, and the groups then switched around to do the other activity. In the afternoon we spent some time in nature, identifying trees and animal signs.
On Wednesday morning, after a lovely night’s sleep, we practiced our archery skills and climbed ropes that were very high and very, very wet. It then poured down with rain and thunder and lightning started which meant that we had to go indoors.
That was the last drip and so we went on the coach to head back to school. The trip was phenomenal and everyone loved it. We would like to say a BIG thanks to Mr Bowman, Mr Goddard, Mr Gough, Mr Greenish and Mr Waddington for taking us away.
Writes Riyan T. (Y6)
Last week, Year 6 went on a residential trip to Phasel’s Wood and stayed for two nights in tents. It was a fun experience where we took part in lots of outdoor activities and learned how to work better as a team.
On the first day, we did bushcraft activities. We worked together to build shelters using natural materials and then toasted marshmallows, which was a fun way to finish the day. On the second day, we went caving and crawled through underground tunnels. Some of the tunnels were very small and made us feel a bit claustrophobic, but we helped each other and got through it.
Later, we did a buggy building activity using two barrels, six long pieces of wood and some rope. We had to work as a team to build a buggy that could move properly, which was challenging but enjoyable. We also did a short team-building game afterwards to help us communicate better.
On the final day, we did high ropes where we climbed high up and then were safely lowered down. It was exciting. We also did archery, although some people missed activities because thunderstorms meant the groups had to head inside.
The food was nice, with toast, cereal, yoghurt and croissants for breakfast, baguettes for lunch and different meals for dinner, with cake being the best part. The trip was really enjoyable, and we made lots of great memories with our friends.
Writes, Tonghe L. (Y6)
In my opinion our trip to Phasel’s Wood was one of the highlights of my entire time here. It was a fantastic experience, like nothing I have ever experienced in (or out) of school.
It was incredibly fun and interesting to learn new things about nature, and all the activities were great. My personal favourite activity was the buggy building where we had to build a buggy with logs, ropes and barrels to make a vehicle that we could sit on and move around on.
The food was lovely, especially the breakfast since it had loads of jam and toast that was REALLY, REALLY crunchy. Lunch was also brilliant as the sandwich options were great and gave us lots of energy for all our activities in the woods. The dessert with dinner was incredible because we got ice cream and cake.
The tents were a lot better than I expected. The bunk beds were really comfortable and I managed to get a lot of sleep.
Overall, this place was really great, and if I could I would most definitely come back again. The trip was really worth the wait.
