FSC Preston Montford recently hosted the national Key Stage
2 (Primary school pupils aged 7-11 years) training for the wider organisation,
with delegates coming from across the country to share ideas and learn new
skills to take back to their own centres.
As with most KS2 training events, spirits were high and
staff were enthusiastic to get involved in the activities – aimed at primary
school children, but enjoyed by the young at heart too.
Despite freezing conditions and driving rain, the first day was
spent outside in the woods here at FSC Preston Montford learning some bush
craft skills. We all took up the 5 minute challenge – 5 minutes to build a
fire, light it using fire strikers and cotton wool, keep the fire going for at
least one minute, fully extinguishing and then returning the site to its
natural state. A challenge at the best of times but given the weather
conditions, we were delighted that every group managed to at least light their
fire in the allocated time! We also learned to tie a few knots, and used these
skills to build a structure capable of supporting our own weight – which also went
surprisingly well!
We had the chance to share a number of fun filler activities,
for those moments when you have more time than expected. Such as when you are
waiting for a coach or the rest of the group to collect forgotten items from
their rooms. Our favourites were giants, wizards and dwarves (think rock-paper-scissors
as a team game) and the very popular “FEET … OF … FURY!” (yes, it does have to
be said like that with emphasis on every word). The latter begins with everyone
standing in a circle, after which players take it in turns to step towards another
player. The goal is to step lightly on another player’s foot and eliminate them
from the game, whilst avoiding being stepped on yourself. There can only be one
winner in this game of tactics and bravery (no backwards steps allowed here).
The FSC Preston Montford team were called upon by the
organisers of the training to show the other delegates around one of their
favourite places – Blists Hill museum. The team had great pleasure leading
tours around the recreated Victorian town – complete with volunteers in period
costume. The school experience was well received and was made more realistic
when eight of our group arrived late, leading to a mock caning by the
schoolmistress – best behaviour all! Overall, the excursion was thoroughly
enjoyed by all staff - not just because of the sweet shop - but because of the immersive
and interactive example of how to lead history field trips for this age group.
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| FSC Preston Montford tutors after passing Victorian teacher training. |
We hope that all of our counterparts from the visiting
centres left filled with inspiration and brimming with new ideas on how they
can make their KS2 sessions even better. We know that we have some exciting
things to share with our other team members.
If you are interested
in our courses for primary schools, please contact us at enquiries.pm@field-studies-council.org
for more information.
