Rain, Fire & Victorians

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.

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.