Pond Dipping NCR: Science Sc2:4a,b,c 5a,b,f
We have several small ponds on site with plenty of pond
life activity throughout the year. The children are encouraged to dip using nets
and collect a selection of animals. The collection is then taken back to the
classroom for closer examination including using the centre’s video microscope.
The learning objectives of the lesson can be tailored to meet individual schools
needs, but typically relate to classification, adaptation, and making an using
keys.
Risk assessment for Pond dipping
Woodland Games NCR: Science Sc2:1c
3b 5d,e
Our centre woodlands are full of life. The children are
involved in a series of role play games, trying to find enough food to survive
as a bird. The games offer safe, fun and memorable ways to explore ideas such
as food chains, adaptation to environment, and population dynamics.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Simulated Sewage
NCR: Science Sc1: 2c,e
Sc3 3a
A practical scientific exercise where children get to make
and then clean a batch of simulated sewage using a range of sieves and filters.
This fits well with the separating materials KS2 aspect of the national
curriculum for science, particularly if studying the water cycle and rivers.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Water quality analysis
NCR: Sc1: 1a,b 2a,b,c,d,e,h,j,k,l,m 4a,b 5a
The children sample animals in a local stream at 3
different places and then assess the quality of the water by what they find.
The objective of the lesson is to identify animals using a key and understand
human impact on the environment.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Woodland mini-beast hunt NCR: Sc2: 1c
5b,c
In different types of the land surrounding the house the
children will collect animals using beating trays and then identify the animals
caught using a key. The objective of the lesson is to identify mini beasts
using a key and then compare what species live in different types of land.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Orienteering Geography:
2c 7c PE: 11a,b,c
Throughout the woodland are orienteering posts plotted on a
map for the children to find. The tasks are differentiated being simple at the
beginning and get progressively harder. The progression starts with finding one
point at a time, then it moves onto planning a 3 point route to finally planning
and finding 11 points. This can be developed to include finding points in the
dark or finding un-natural objects (some very small) positioned in woodland.
The objectives of these different activities are to use maps with different
scales, to orientate around a site using a map to find specific points,
eventually building up to route planning and more complex map reading.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Stream Analysis NCR: Geography:
1b,c 6c 7c
Using a local stream the different parts of a river system
can be identified. At the different parts a record of the flow rate, depth and
width of stream can be collated and analysed and related to levels of erosion
and deposition.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Farm Visit NCR:
Geography 7c
A visit to a local working farm for half a day. The
children will see and be able to identify different crops and animals. They
will understand what is involved in growing the crops and fattening the animals
up and the process of getting it from the farm to the shops. The visit is often
linked to trip to a local farmers market for the other half of the day. The
objective of this trip is to understand farming and food production at a
traditional, small mixed farm.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Bockleton Church NCR:
History 1a 10 11
A visit to a local Norman church highlighting the history
of the church, the village and the house that relates to the Tudor and Victorian
eras.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Hartlebury Castle NCR:
History 2a 11a
A trip to a museum where the children can experience a
simulated Victorian classroom or scullery.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Blists Hill NCR: History 11a
A trip to a world heritage site and museum of a Victorian
street with working shops, bank, fairground and school. Children get to change
their money at the bank and spend a farthing or two in the bakers or sweet shop.
Children will be helped to understand how everyday life in Victorian times was
for people from different social classes.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Ludlow Castle
NCR:
History 2d 10
A trip to a local castle with parts dating back to Norman
times. The castle was added to many times through history until Tudor times, so
provides an ideal opportunity to look for historical evidence and to study
change over time.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Ludlow town trail NCR: History 11a Geography 2c 7c
A trip for the children to explore different aged buildings
from Tudor to modern day using a map and a selection of photos of the buildings,
which will then be plotted on the map. Follows on nicely from a visit to the
castle.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Problem Solving / Team Building Activities
We have a wide range of simple, safe and effective
activities to encourage and develop team work, leadership, communication, and
problem solving skills. They are suitable for delivery by centre staff or
visiting teaching as we have full staff briefing notes for each. A selection is
described below.
Link to risk assessment for these activities
Poisonous Slime.
The children are given a set area of land to travel across
without touching the ground/slime, they are given slime proof mats.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Piranha Infested Waters.
The children are given a set area of land to travel across
without touching the ground / water, they are given a certain number of crates
and wooden planks depending on the size of the group.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Gutter Run.
Each child is given a length of guttering. The idea of
this activity is to pass ball along guttering from point A to B without touching
it, but children are not allowed to move their feet when the ball is on their
section of gutter (Can be done with water in warmer weather)
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Minesweeper or Maze.
Using a grid of paving slabs the children have to find a
‘safe’ route through a maze of pretend mines.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Water Race.
The children are to travel around an obstacle course
without touching the ground. They are given a bucket of water and plastic cups
to try to get as much water as they can in another bucket placed at the end of
the obstacle course.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Tower of Hanoi.
The
children are to move 5 tyres individually from 1 post to another without placing
a larger
tyre on a smaller tyre.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Skis.
The children are put into groups of about 6/7 and are given
a set of wooden skis. The problem is to get from one side a marked area to the
other without touching the ground.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Environmental Art Art: 1 3a 4a,c 2a,b,c 5b,c,d
Taking inspiration from the artists Andy Goldsworthy and
Sally Matthews (who works with mud!) the children create a large-scale piece of
artwork using only natural materials found in the woodland. The objective of
this activity is to explore and replicate recurring themes found in Goldsworthy
and Matthews’ work.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Climbing
PE 2a 5f 11a,c
The children will be instructed how to climb a 10m wooden
tower using specialist equipment. The objective of the activity is to develop
an understanding of climbing techniques and vocabulary, as well as to encourage
the children to set their own target and help others to achieve theirs. Rock
climbing also promotes and develops positive approaches to team work.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Abseiling
PE 2a 5f 11a,c
The children will be instructed how to abseil down a 10m
wooden tower using specialist equipment. The objective of this activity is to
learn correct abseil technique to control their own descent, and to
encourage/support others.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Zip Wire
PE 2a 5f 11a
Children will be assisted using specialised equipment to
ride along a 50m wire, 8m above the ground. This activity allows the children
to experience a high level of personal challenge as well as encouraging them to
support others.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Low Ropes Course PE 2a 5f 11a,b,c
The children are expected to complete a series of
challenges in small groups on different low ropes courses. These activities
promote skills in communication, problem solving, balance and supporting each
other. The variety of different activities include: Long Ropes Course,
Heebie-Jeebie, Killer Penguins, Wobbly Bridge, Spiders Web, Giant See-Saw.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Walking PE 4a,c,d 5f 11a
The surrounding areas of Bockleton is excellent for all
sorts of walks from an 8km strenuous walk up the Malvern Hills to a
local 3km
stroll taking in the sights, SMELLS and workings of our local farm. The centre
is just a short coach journey to places such as Mortimer Forest,
Wyre Forest, Clee Hill, Croft Ambrey,
Malvern Hills all of which walks can be
organised. This could include children planning walks for D of E or following a
set route already planned.
Click on the name of the walk for the risk assessment
Horse Riding PE 4d, 5f, 11a
It is a short walk to the local riding stables. The
children carry out a range of activities all involving how to look after and
ride a horse. They will be encouraged to mount, control, steer around and over
obstacles and communicate with a horse. Also during the session they will be
expected to lead, feed and groom a horse. This activity is a perfect beginning
experience to horses.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Falconry
A local falconer visits the centre bringing with him a
variety of species of birds of prey: owls, hawks and falcons. This presentation
includes the children learning about the conservation of all types of birds of
prey, meeting, feeding and flying the birds. The falconer will display the
birds and encourage the children to ask lots of questions.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Parachute Games PE 2a,b,c
3a,b 5f 11b,c
This is a large group activity involving a variety of games
using a parachute. The games encourage working as part of a team and listening
to instructions.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Noodles
PE 2a,b,c 3a,b 5f 11b,c
This is a small group activity involving a variety of
games/problems using long swimming floats often called ‘Noodles’ or ‘Woggles’.
These activities promote working together to solve problems, listening and
giving advice.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Bridge Building
Technology 1a,b 2a,c,d,e 3a,b,c 4a,b,c 5b
This is an indoor activity that involves the children
investigating structures through exploring different shapes. The children are
then given wooden garden canes, dowelling and elastic bands to design and
construct a bridge that will hold 1kg without bending.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Dam Building
Technology 1a,b 2a,c,d,e 3a,b,c 4a,b,c 5b
This activity uses the local stream. The children are to
construct a means to stop the flow of water using natural materials. As well as
the children exploring strength in structures, the activity also encourages
teamwork and communication.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Shelter Building
Technology 1a,b 2a,c,d,e 3a,b,c 4a,b,c 5b
The children are to construct a stand-alone shelter using
natural materials. The shelter has to be large enough to accommodate a group of
about 4/5 children and protect them from rain. This activity promotes
understanding of construction as well as tackling skills in team building and
communication.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Egg Drop Technology 1b,c,d 2a,d,e 3a,c 4a,c 5c
The children are to design and build a structure using
scrap materials that will stop an egg from cracking when it is dropped about 4m.
A real egg (not hard boiled!) will then be dropped and the results assessed by
the other groups. The activity promotes skills in design, presenting ideas,
evaluate and decision making.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Egg Tower
Technology 1b 2a,d,e 3a,b,c 4a 5c
The children are to design and build a tall structure out
of newspaper to support an egg. The activity promotes skills in design,
presenting ideas, evaluate and decision making.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Witley Court
This is a trip to a large and impressive ruin, destroyed by
a fire in 1937. Originally built in the 11th century and added to
throughout the years. It has features from the Jacobean era but the most
impressive features of the ruin are Georgian and Victorian. Very close by is a
remarkably decorated and world renowned Baroque church.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Croft Ambrey
This is a trip to an Iron-Age hill fort dating back to
1050BC. The activity is a walk to explore this impressive site with superb
views around the beautiful north Herefordshire countryside.
Link to risk assessment for this activity
Local amenities
Grafton Riding Stables
Bockleton Farm
Bockleton Church
Short coach journey away
Grove Farm 5 miles / 8 km
Ludlow 14 miles / 22.5 km
Wyre Forest 16 miles / 37 km
Bewdley 19 miles / 30 km
Witley Court 17.5 miles / 28 km
Hartlebury Castle 23 miles / 37 km
Mortimer Forest 14 miles / 22.5
km
Malvern 20 miles / 32 km
River Severn 19 miles / 30 km
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